THE family of a stalwart of the Rosyth community who died earlier this year are inviting friends to celebrate his life this weekend.

Jon Harrison, who was 63, passed away in January after losing a battle with COVID-19.

Well-known for his commitment to football in the town and for being the driving force behind the project to turn the Fleet Grounds into a community facility through the South West Fife Community Sports Partnership (SWFSP), Jon's death saw tributes pour in from across the community and beyond.

With coronavirus restrictions easing, his family are inviting those who knew him to attend a celebration of his life at the Glen Pavilion, Dunfermline, this Saturday to swap stories.

Jon's daughter, Kirsten Milne, told the Press: "It would've been my mum and dad's 43rd wedding anniversary, and also it's when his team at Mitie and Amazon are off their shift that weekend, so would be able to come as well.

"We want it to be a celebration. I know it's going to be hard for people but we want to celebrate his life and think about all the good times we've had, all the silly things my dad used to do and stupid stories and things he used to make up!

"I think it's the kind of closure we need. Obviously, we didn't get the chance to have a proper funeral, so this is the closure we've all needed to say our final goodbyes."

Jon, who is survived by his wife, Liz, and their children, Craig, Kieron and Kirsten, was a popular figure in Rosyth, where he had been involved in local football for 30 years.

As well as serving as chairman of Rosyth AFC Saturday Amateurs, Jon founded the SWFSP having, in 2013, outlined a vision to revamp the Fleet Grounds – then owned by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) – into a sports hub for the community.

Originally from Grimsby, Jon also worked as a football scout for his hometown club and served with the Royal Navy during the Falklands War.

Shortly after his death, an online fundraising page saw more than £1,000 donated to create a memorial bench overlooking football pitches in Rosyth.

A humanist service for Jon will begin at 2.30pm, with the doors at the Glen Pavilion opening at 2pm, and those attending have been asked to dress smart but not in black, as the family said Jon was "full of life and laughter and we want to represent this with a colourful celebration of the man we knew and loved".

The family will also be fundraising in aid of two charities close to Jon's heart; Combat Stress and Outpost, which provide support for armed forces personnel.

Anybody who wishes to donate online can do so by visiting http://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jonharrison-memorial.