Queens director dies

Oct 15 2008 by Craig Robertson, Dumfries Standard Wednesday

QUEEN of the South director Keith Houliston has died.

The 59-year-old passed away on Friday following a long battle with illness.

He was well known throughout Dumfries not only from his association with Queens as a director and former player but as a successful local businessman through owning Galloway Foodservices and the Nith Hotel.

Yesterday, Queen of the South chairman Davie Rae, paid tribute to Mr Houliston.

He said: “He was great man and this is a sad loss to the town of Dumfries.

“But we should be looking back at his life and celebrating what he achieved.

“He was very popular in the local community, was a great family man and very successful in business.

“He was a member of the Queen of the South board since 1994 and was great person to have on there.

“He father was a Queens footballer and went on to play for Scotland.

“Keith followed in his father’s footsteps and played for the Queen of the South and Scotland at under-21 level.

“He was a talented footballer.

“Keith grew up with Queens all around him and had the club at his heart.”

During his time on the board, Queens soared from the lower leagues of Scotland, through to being a full-time club, into European football and now to their top spot in the First Division looking at the possibility of SPL football.

But according to Mr Rae, one of the proudest moments for Mr Houliston was earlier this year when, in the space of a week, he watched his beloved Queens take on Rangers in the Scottish Cup final and then walked his daughter, Jennifer, down the aisle to marry the Palmerston striker, Sean O’Connor.

Mr Rae said: “He was a great family man and had three daughters and he was very proud to see Queens play in the Scottish Cup final for the first time in his life and despite his failing health, saw his daughter marry our star striker, Sean.

“This is very sad for everyone at the club and his family but he will be remembered as a great man all round.”

The funeral service will take place at the Crichton Memorial Church tomorrow at 10am.

Thereafter a private service will take place at Caerlaverock Churchyard.