Rab Lakie was a mainstay on Perth high street during hsi 20 years selling The Big Issue. There has been an outpouring of tributes following his death. Image: Family handout
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Hundreds of people have paid tribute to much-loved Big Issue vendor Rab Lakie who died after suffering a heart attack at home.
The veteran vendor, 61, became a familiar sight outside Marks & Spencer on Perth’s High Street, Scotland, during his 20 years selling the magazine.
Floral tributes, heartfelt messages and copies of The Big Issue were left in memory of long-time vendor Rab Lackie on his pitch outside M&S in Perth. Image: Chris Luby
He leaves behind his wife Gill Soutar, six children and seven grandchildren. Rab’s funeral will be held at 2pm on 11 October at St Matthew’s Church in Perth. His family have launched a GoFundMe campaign for support with the costs of the funeral.
Scores of floral tributes, copies of The Big Issue and heartfelt messages have been left on his pitch in his memory.
Chris Luby, frontline sales and support worker for The Big Issue in Scotland, led the tributes, describing the popular Scot as a “pleasant guy”.
“Rab was a great wee guy. He was never any bother, a good seller and he was very popular on his pitch, just a nice man and such a pleasant guy,” said Luby.
“It’s sad that he has passed away. He loved selling his magazines – I spoke to him a few times and he told me he couldn’t see himself doing anything else. A few times we got emails from customers saying, ‘What a lovely man that is in Perth High Street who’s selling the magazine.’
“He really will be missed. You could always trust Rab, he would never let you down.”
News of Rab’s death inspired more than 600 people to pay their respects in the Auld Perth Bairns Facebook group.
His regular customers and Perth passers-by shared memories of chatting to him and some even called for a permanent tribute to be installed on his Big Issue pitch.
Perth Big Issue vendor Rab Lakie with grandson Norrie. Image: Family handout
Fiona McWilliams said: “Rab was one in a million. Everyone’s friend. He stood in all weathers selling The Big Issue and happily chatting to anyone who talked to him. He will be sorely missed and I hope in the future Perth will add a little plaque or something where Rab stood in the high street as a lovely memorial to him.”
Lynn Rivett also paid tribute. She said: “So sad to hear this about such a lovely man. I made some quilts for him and I loved our blethers when down the street. Condolences to all the family.”
Irene Lamond said she loved “having a chat with him putting the world to right”. She added: “He was a true gent and always enjoyed speaking to everyone. We will miss him. Condolences to his family.”
Gordon Wilson said: “Perth will miss this true gentleman who beat so many of life’s adversities. He cared for so many and sought help for so many.”
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This Christmas, 3.8 million people across the UK will be facing extreme poverty. Thousands of those struggling will turn to selling the Big Issue as a vital source of income - they need your support to earn and lift themselves out of poverty.
