Tributes for Big Issue seller Rab who kept at his sales in Perth for 20 years

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Flowers have been left in a doorway on Perth High Street to mark a spot where popular Big Issue vendor Rab Lakie stood for 20 years.The city has rallied to pay heartfelt tribute to the familiar and friendly face after he sadly passed away, aged 61.Rab suffered a heart attack and died at home in North Muirton, leaving his wife Gill Soutar, six children and seven grandchildren.His step-daughter Hannah Young shared news of Rab’s passing on Thursday when she posted on Facebook: “It’s with a heavy heart to let everybody know Rab Lakie has passed away this morning.”Over 600 people acknowledged Hannah’s post on the Auld Bairns of Perth page.Hannah told the PA her mum was “blown away” by the outpouring of compassion.She said: “My mum and the family want to thank everyone for all the lovely comments.“We’re all still in shock and trying to process it all.

It’s nice reading all the lovely comments from everyone. It shows how much of a liked man Rab was.“Thank you again.”Messages expressed sadness at Rab’s death, known to many as the guy with a smile who was always to be found near the entrance of M&S and WHSmith with his magazines and a cheery word for all.“A lovely man who always had a smile and a wink,” summed up the mood of the town.A bunch of yellow roses left in the shelter between shops bore the message: “This doorway is empty without you.

RIP Rab.”Rab had previously worked in the building trade and did farm work. He got his badge to sell The Big Issue 20 years ago.

He was known to a huge number of people with his friendly sales patter and his contribution to daily life in Perth even reaching the head office of the Big Issue magazine, which generates income for the homeless through a magazine selling scheme.Chris Luby,