An Angus man will embark on his final journey when his family fly to America to sprinkle his ashes at his beloved Walt Disney World.
Stewart Spence (45), from Careston, Brechin, was due to go with his family in June but tragically died on Mother’s Day, following a long illness.
His family have now decided they will go to Orlando as planned and sprinkle Stewart’s ashes at the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Stewart’s sister Angela Crosby said: “Stewart had learning disabilities but he didn’t let that stop him from enjoying life.
“He had been to Florida 12 times previously because he just loved Disney and Mickey Mouse. My mum and dad wanted to take him on holiday but there was only one place that he wanted to go.
“Even when he took ill, he was determined that he would still make the holiday. We’ve spoken to the airline and the theme park and we’ve been given permission to take his ashes with us.
“Stewart will now get to go back one last time and we’ll be able to sprinkle his ashes in the place he loved.”
Angela said the family cannot believe he is gone and described him as a real character, who had a lust for life and a passion for animals.
He underwent heart surgery 19 months ago but they believe he never fully recovered from the ordeal. Stewart who kept ducks, hens and three dogs was taken to hospital in Dundee just a few days before he passed away.
He was laughing and joking with his family on the Saturday night during visiting but died in the early hours of the next morning after developing breathing difficulties.
Stewart and his parents had adopted a Moroccan pony in 2010 on their son’s behalf from Mountains Animal Sanctuary in Glenogil. A collection at the funeral raised £280, which will go towards keeping Dayzee in Stewart’s memory.
A rose will also be planted at the sanctuary for Stewart. Stewart attended Montrose’s Rosehill Resource Centre and some of his art work was shown at the Meffan in Forfar.
Angela said: “He loved his colouring books. When he was laid to rest, he still had felt pen on his fingers.”