THE family of a Hibernian fan who passed away tragically, aged 67, after falling ill outside Hampden Park last weekend have thanked the club for its support during a difficult time.

Ian Berwick, from Wallyford, had attended Hibs’ Viaplay Cup semi-final defeat against Aberdeen when he fell ill outside the stadium after the match and later passed away from a suspected heart attack.

His fellow supporters will hold a minute’s applause in the 67th minute of the club’s home fixture against Kilmarnock FC tomorrow in tribute to the lifelong fan.

READ MORE: Tribute to East Lothian football fan who died after game

Ian’s wife of 27 years Gail, as well as his daughter Katie, his two sisters and extended family, will be going along to the game.

Katie told the Courier: “The club have went above and beyond. We didn’t expect such a fantastic response from them.

“My partner got in touch with them and they’re going to do the minute's applause during the game and we’ve been given free tickets. Mum will be sat in dad’s season ticket seat and we’ll all be around her.

“We can’t thank the club enough for the support. Dad would have loved it, he loved the attention and he loved Hibs.”

Mr Berwick grew up in Edinburgh but has lived in Wallyford for more than 20 years. He was a much-loved member of the Whitecraig community and was well known as the president of the village’s Deantown Bowling Club and helped plan the village gala.

He spent much of his career doing manual labour for various companies across the country; he also spent time working in a pharmacy and for local tradespeople.

His wife Gail told the Courier: “He liked to keep busy. He worked hard, sometimes too hard, but we loved him so much. He was such a big part of so many people’s lives and was my best friend.

“He loved to play pranks and was always joking.

"Those above have called him now and I know he’ll be looking down on us and smiling at all the attention.”

Mrs Berwick said that she was looking forward to going to the game and being part of something her husband loved.

She said: “He went every week to the games. He missed some away games but he was at every home game and every semi-final or big game.

“His whole family are Jambos apart from him and his dad, but they never held that against him!

“It’s been great how the club have shown support.”

Tributes were also paid to Mr Berwick from members of the bowling club, as well as Whitecraig Gala’s governor.

Mrs Berwick said: “It’s been lovely all the tributes. From friends to work colleagues, everyone has been so nice. We are so grateful and I know he would be too.”