Son tribute to Afghan death father

Nov 29 2012

The grieving son of an Army officer killed in Afghanistan on Remembrance Day has said an emotional farewell to his "best friend" as about 1,000 people gathered for the soldier's funeral.

Callum Barrie fondly recalled trips to the football with his father, Captain Walter Barrie, and described him as an amazing dad.

The teenager's tribute came as family, friends and colleagues joined together at Glencorse Kirk in Penicuik, Midlothian, to pay their last respects to the soldier, hailed as "a true Scottish hero".

The 41-year-old, from Glasgow, was shot dead by a rogue member of the Afghan army on November 11 as he played in a football match at his base in Helmand province. The killing took the number of UK service members to have lost their lives since operations began in Afghanistan in October 2001 to 438.

Through tears, Callum, 15, told the congregation of the close relationship he shared with his father, a keen Rangers FC fan.

He said: "If I was to describe my dad in three words, I would say he was caring, funny and kind. One thing I will always remember is that he'd give anything a try and would always do it with a smile on his face. He always treated everyone he met with respect and usually managed to have a laugh and joke with them too.

"I was very close to my dad and have lots of good memories, the best of which were to do with football. Whether we were playing in the garden or driving to Glasgow to see Rangers, we always had a good time when football was involved. Today I don`t just say goodbye to an amazing father, but also a best friend. Thank you, dad, for all the memories."

Among those thought to have attended Friday's service were the soldier's wife, Sonia, his son, mother Georgie Irvine, and stepfather Robert Irvine. His brother, Alan Barrie, and sister, Donna Scott, were also believed to be among the congregation.

The service heard how, to his wife, Capt Barrie was "simply the best". The Tina Turner song featuring that unmistakable chorus was played at the end of the funeral.

In a statement read on Sonia's behalf, Matthew Smith said she hoped the song would make her husband smile. He said: "Every time she was forced to go to a Rangers game with Walter and Callum, this song was always played. Walter Reid Barrie was simply the best. Love and miss you forever, babes. Sonia."