Scottish Catholic Observer

Family and friends of 48-year-old Gary Arthur also attended a service at Woodside Crematorium in Paisley today. Six customers inside the packed Clutha bar and the three people on board the Police Scotland aircraft were killed in the crash on November 29.

The requiem Mass for Mr O’Prey was led by Fr Owen Ness, who told the congregation that he had spoken to Mr O’Prey’s father, Ian, about his fears and hopes for his son in the hours following the Clutha tragedy.

“Late on Saturday afternoon he told me those hopes were unfulfilled,” Fr Ness said.

He summed up the relationship between father and son by recounting a memory of a time when Mr O’Prey had called by unexpectedly to chat with his father.

“He now looks upon that as a gift in his life,” Fr Ness said.

During the Mass, readings were given by Ian O’Prey and Mark’s sister Barbara. A special prayer was said for Mr O’Prey’s 15-year-old son Liam, whose mother Clare Gillies, his ex-partner, was also present. Liam’s teachers and school registration class at St Andrew’s and St Bride’s School attended the service.

Fr Ness spoke of the whole family’s love for Mr O’Prey. He thanked mourners for their attendance, which he said gave the family great comfort.

Tomorrow John McGarrigle, of Cumbernauld, is to be laid to rest at St Bartholomew’s Church, in Glasgow’s Croftfoot and PC Kirsty Nelis’ funeral will take place at St Andrew’s Cathedral, Glasgow, on Wednesday.

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