Tributes paid to Lanarkshire journalist Martin Clark

Daily Record

3 days ago

The Uddingston man, who was a hockey umpire and stalwart of the local club, has been fondly remembered following his death aged 69.
Warm tributes have been paid to well-respected Lanarkshire journalist and long-serving hockey umpire and coach Martin Clark following his sudden passing.
‌
Martin was sports editor at the Wishaw Press for 26 years, later going on to become editor of the Motherwell Times and a host of Scottish weekly newspapers during a media career spanning more than four decades; and was actively involved in a host of sports, especially hockey where he was an international-standard official.
‌
Journalism colleagues remembered his hardworking commitment to his newspaper titles and the communities they served, along with his support for colleagues and new staff; while Uddingston hockey club called him 'a much-loved member of the Uddy family', of which he had been a key part since his schooldays in the area.
‌
Uddingston resident Martin, 69, died suddenly last week. Hundreds of messages of condolence have been shared with his beloved wife Gina, daughter Fiona and her partner John, and across social media by his many friends, journalism and sporting colleagues.
Martin had begun his journalism career on leaving Uddingston Grammar in 1973, initially at the Evening Times in Glasgow and later as a trainee journalist position at the Rutherglen Reformer while studying at Napier College in Edinburgh.
‌
He transferred three months later to sister title the Wishaw Press – marking the start of 26 years at the newspaper, where he became a well-known community figure as he served as community reporter, sports reporter and deputy editor, including playing a key role in the production process of the weekly title.
Among the many highlights of his years at the title were covering Motherwell's 1991 Scottish Cup victory, the early career and rise of young Wishaw snooker player John Higgins to becoming world champion, and his running of a hugely-popular annual schools' football festival.
He moved on in 2000 to become editor of the Lanarkshire People, later Lanarkshire Extra; then took the helm of the Motherwell Times and Bellshill Speaker, later adding responsibility for further titles including the Cumbernauld News & Kilsyth Chronicle, as well as being appointed deputy editor at the Falkirk Herald and Linlithgow Gazette.
‌
Martin concluded his 47-year journalism career as editor of the JPI Media group's portfolio of small Scottish weekly titles, responsible for 22 local newspapers across the country, ranging from Fraserburgh in the north-east to Galloway in south-west Scotland.
Former colleague and Wishaw Press editor Elaine Singer said: 'I had known Martin since student days, then as a colleague with Scottish & Universal Newspapers in Lanarkshire [now Reach]. His advice and guidance was always wise, with the Wishaw community at its heart, his loyalty and commitment steadfast.
‌
'Every year he organised a schools' football tournament; I remember the then-Motherwell manager, Alex McLeish, was so engrossed watching the teams play he stayed all afternoon at Wishaw sports centre!
'When Martin got his editor's job, he coached his replacement as sports editor so the transition was seamless – he was a total team player and was active in the National Union of Journalists for many years. He recently met up with retired colleagues and shared stories including exploits of strikes in the 1970s and 1980s.'
‌
She added: 'Everyone who knew Martin has expressed shock at his untimely passing, pass on condolences to wife Gina and daughter Fiona, and will cherish the fondest memories of a highly respected colleague.'
Martin first met future wife Gina through a local badminton club, and the couple were married at Viewpark parish church in May 1983, later going on to welcome daughter Fiona.
His family have been inundated with messages and 'amazing' support since his sudden passing – and told how he had still been actively involved in sports and activities including hockey, walking, gym sessions, aqua aerobics, yoga and dog walking and had been 'loving retirement and making the most of each day' since stepping down from his media career five years ago.
‌
Martin had been a valued member of Uddingston hockey club for more than half a century, as a player until well into his 60s and serving for decades as a respected umpire, gaining accreditation from world governing body the FIH and travelling all over the UK and to Gibraltar to officiate and share his skills.
He coached new umpires and mentored them through sporting qualifications, and was heavily involved with the club's walking hockey team, leading players to festivals and sharing his love of the sport with generations of club members.
Uddingston players and members observed a minute's silence ahead of their final summer games in Martin's memory, with the club saying they have been 'deeply saddened' by his death and remembering his 'life and lasting impact'.
‌
The club posted on Facebook: 'Martin's love for sport was unwavering. Whether playing cricket, umpiring or playing hockey, or supporting others in their sporting journey, he brought warmth, kindness, and a generous spirit to everything he did.
'He was a well-loved member of the Uddy family for over 50 years – a dedicated coach, a thoughtful mentor, and a true friend to many across the club and wider sporting community. [He] gave so much to our community, and [his] presence will be greatly missed.'
Martin's funeral will take place on Thursday, August 7, at Daldowie Crematorium at 1.45pm, and thereafter at Uddingston hockey club.
* Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.