Bryce Johnstone (1936 – 26/10/2017)
by Ian Cruickshanks (Kirriemuir)
B&F Aug 2018
Windygates recently held a one minute silence for a stalwart of the Club, 81-year-old Bryce Johnstone who had recently passed away. Bryce was sometimes known as ‘The Moothie Man’ and was a very accomplished singer. He was known as an excellent moothie player, not just in Fife, but throughout Scotland for his appearances at many clubs and also for his stage performances. His CDs where he was accompanied by Bill Ewan on piano (Bryce and Moothie Combine and Sook ‘n’ Blaw) showed the expertise and dexterity of the man.
He was repeatedly described as the quiet man, a proper gentleman and a gentle man. A bricklayer to trade, he retired early through ill health. His wife Elizabeth, his family and grandchildren were always first on his mind, but his music came a close second. He had no hesitation in trying to help others attempting to play the moothie. He had a passion for both cricket and swimming and coached both. On the evening of 25th October at Windygates Hall he played the moothie to his usual standard and later was asked to sing a wee song. As he started to sing a Perry Como version of And I Love You So, his wife Elizabeth was heard to say, “That is not the tune he practiced”. A few hours later he took ill and did not recover.
At his service of remembrance and thanksgiving the attendance of about 250 people from all parts of Scotland, many of them well-known musicians who all had their wee stories to tell, showed the respect in which he was held.
Condolences to all the family from all at the Club.
He was repeatedly described as the quiet man, a proper gentleman and a gentle man. A bricklayer to trade, he retired early through ill health. His wife Elizabeth, his family and grandchildren were always first on his mind, but his music came a close second. He had no hesitation in trying to help others attempting to play the moothie. He had a passion for both cricket and swimming and coached both. On the evening of 25th October at Windygates Hall he played the moothie to his usual standard and later was asked to sing a wee song. As he started to sing a Perry Como version of And I Love You So, his wife Elizabeth was heard to say, “That is not the tune he practiced”. A few hours later he took ill and did not recover.
At his service of remembrance and thanksgiving the attendance of about 250 people from all parts of Scotland, many of them well-known musicians who all had their wee stories to tell, showed the respect in which he was held.
Condolences to all the family from all at the Club.