Shinty has lost another great man with the passing of Jack Asher on Tuesday 23 June 2015.
Jack was a noted referee and stalwart of Glasgow (University) shinty. He had his own ways, particularly with the whistle, but few have put so much effort into the continuation of shinty in the city and beyond. He will be sadly missed.
Jack Asher was born in 1927, a native of Glasgow, educated at Nethy Bridge Primary School and Grantown on Spey Secondary Schools, and he went on to become a major figure in shinty, primarily through his refereeing activities.
In this too he was a remarkable figure. Having lost an eye, and overcome the loss of a lung, he officiated his third and last Camanachd Cup final at the age of 64. He served shinty in many ways through refereeing organisations and with the Glasgow Celtic Society.
He was a double Blue at Glasgow University in shinty and judo and a history teacher in Glasgow for many years. The University shinty club honoured him with a special testimonial match in 2008.
A founder member of the recently reinstated Glasgow Kelvin, Jack was presented with the Marine Harvest Award for shinty in 1999 for his outstanding contribution to the game.
A minute’s silence will be held prior to this Saturday’s Glasgow Celtic Society Cup Final as a mark of respect.
Funeral arrangements will be confirmed in due course.
Words: Hugh Dan MacLennan
Photo: Ewen Weatherspoon from the 100 at the 100th Exhibition