Tina was born to James and Lillian Laidlaw at home in Dalkeith on 9th August 1931 and was one of nine siblings. Bobby was born in Arniston Midlothian on 12th August 1927 and was one of eight siblings.

Much loved parents of Robert and Gary and grandparents for Stephen, Gregg, Diane, Bryan, Craig and Sophie.

Tina and Bobby Kirk met in Dalkeith in the late 1940’s when Bobby was working as a miner. They married in 1949 and subsequently had two children Robert born in 1953 and Gary in 1957.

In the interim there was a change of career for Bobby. He had been playing football for Arniston Rangers when his footballing prowess was spotted. It wasn’t long before he was signed up as a professional football player; initially for Dunfermline. He moved on to play for Raith Rovers and subsequently in the early 1950’s to Heart of Midlothian for the main part of his professional footballing career under the management of Tommy Walker.

He played as a popular full back and during his seven years at Gorgie Bobby won; two Scottish league titles in 1958 and 1960, the Scottish League Cup in 1958 and 1959 and the Scottish Cup in 1956. Bobby made a total of 213 league appearances and scored eight goals.

As a professional footballer Bobby was away from home during the summer months with the club’s commitments overseas. Tina was left alone to cope with the boys so was also the disciplinarian in the household; mind you the occasional use of the slipper helped in that regard!

Family life was good, Tina was a great cook, and her baking was marvellous. The boys recall how their pals would queue up for Tina’s chocolate cake and apple pies. She’d usually make two of everything, that way the pals could share one and the household had their own.

When dad returned from whatever tour the boys had hats and tee shirts like no others in those days; such as those with Kangaroo motif’s and they were certainly the first in the area to have US style Crewe cuts.

Tina was a real fan of football; she knew the rules and had a valid opinion when discussing the subject. There was also the social side, the grand occasions of the player balls when Tina would look resplendent in her ball gown as family photographs show. With her love of music and dance Tina was always a vivacious dancer.

Bobby retired from football in the early 1960’s and they bought their own home with a lovely garden in Eskbank which Tina loved looking after. Bobby qualified and worked for many years as a Physiotherapist.

Even as a child Tina had a sharp mind and showed signs of a having a confident and independent personality. She had a good head for figures, was thrifty, assertive, organised and took a pride in her appearance; character traits that served her well throughout her life. When she subsequently returned to the work place, her main career of seventeen years was with Marks and Spencer in Edinburgh and in that time was promoted to Supervisor. She retired from her career in the early 1990’s when aged 60.

Bobby and Tina were a devoted couple, a good team who were married for sixty years. Unfortunately they both had health issues in their later years and required full time care. To achieve this they were both admitted to Drummond Grange Nursing Home about six years ago, where they were well looked after.

Bobby died on 1st February 2010. Tina herself passed away peacefully on the 13th March also within Drummond Grange.