A respected shepherd and gifted footballer

His sudden death on December 29, at the age of 68, has robbed the Borders of a much-loved character – a man whose integrity, friendliness and sense of loyalty touched the lives of everyone lucky enough to know him.

Ronnie had three passions in life – his love for his family, an unshakable enthusiasm for sport, and the care and dedication he showed to livestock and animals.

The youngest of six children, Ronald Begbie Darling was born on April 22, 1952, and raised by Harry and Jessie. Harry worked at Darlingfield Farm, near Gordon, while Jessie looked after Ronnie and his older siblings – Susie, Dave, Doddie, Jake and Hen.

When Ronnie was five the family moved to nearby Mellerstain, where Harry had taken up a position as the estate’s new gamekeeper.

Ronnie attended Mellerstain School and then spent a year at Berwickshire High, before moving to Denholm School.

On leaving school, Ronnie began working as a farm hand on the Riddell Estate. For a short while he was employed by Kings the road contractors, before he undertook a spell of forestry work with Tom Wilson of Lilliesleaf.

In 1972 Ronnie returned to his old job at Riddell, and while out one night in the Talisman Bar, Galashiels, met Jennifer Keddie, who at that time was working in the town’s Royal Bank of Scotland branch.

They became engaged three months later, and were married in St Peter’s Church, Galashiels, in February, 1975. The newly-weds began their life together at Vineyard Cottage, near Lilliesleaf, with Ronnie having been appointed shepherd at Riddell.

The couple’s two sons, Keith and Neil, were born in 1980 and 1983 respectively, and the family moved to Riddell Cottage in 1990 after Ronnie became Riddell Estate’s head shepherd.

Ronnie was never happier than when tending his beloved Texel flock, with Neil more often than not on hand to assist his father in preparing stock for the sales and local shows.

Well-known local Texel breeder Gordon Gray, of Sunnycroft, was full of admiration for Ronnie Darling’s stockmanship. “Ronnie always liked to sell his tups as natural as possible,” said Gordon, “and he had a very loyal customer base at the Kelso Ram Sales.

“I well remember how delighted he was a few years back to get his rams moved into the Texel No. 1 ring at Kelso. He was a great stockman and well deserved all the plaudits that came his way over the years.”

Ronnie’s talents were not confined to the field of agriculture, however. A highly talented footballer, Ronnie had spells with Vale of Leithen, Hawick Royal Albert, Selkirk, Earlston Rhymers and Lilliesleaf, as well as regularly picking up silverware on the green bowls and carpet bowling circuits.

Never one to boast of his sporting achievements, he was particularly proud to have played for Vale of Leithen against a strong Montrose team in the Scottish Cup, and during his time with Selkirk faced a St Mirren side managed by a young Alex Ferguson.

Another highlight came when, as coach of the Lilliesleaf under-14 team, he helped the boys win the Gala fives tournament from an initial entry of 72 sides. A member of the team that day was Rob Munro, who reckons Ronnie was one of the best football players Lilliesleaf ever produced.

“He was a tremendous footballer back in the day,” said Rob, “and also a very successful coach. We all looked up to him, and you’d be hard pushed to meet a more genuine or a more modest individual than Ronnie. Everybody liked him.”

Both sons inherited their father’s sporting talents – Keith going on to captain Selkirk’s football team, while Neil was appointed Selkirk Rugby Club’s 1st XV skipper (each leading their respective clubs to league titles and promotion).

Ronnie and Jennifer made sure one or other of them would be there to watch Keith and Neil turn out for their respective clubs each Saturday. Jennifer was usually to be found at Philiphaugh, however, where for many seasons she served as Selkirk Rugby Club’s catering convener.

The arrival of grandchildren gave Ronnie and Jennifer enormous pleasure. Ronnie’s devotion to them was total, passing on to them his innate love of nature and his duty of care for animals, and he always made time to walk the dogs with Neil’s boys every evening, no matter what the weather.

Ronnie was laid to rest on Thursday, January 14, at the Hundy Mundy woodland, near Mellerstain, set in the rolling countryside where he had spent so many happy hours during his childhood. As the cortege passed through Lilliesleaf and Earlston, friends lined the route to pay their last respects.

At the graveside service, a heartfelt tribute to their father was given by Neil, before a poem written in recognition of Ronnie’s love of collies by family friend and poet, Don Ledingham, was read aloud by Keith.

Ronnie is survived by his wife Jennifer, sons Keith and Neil, daughter-in-law Karole and grandsons Cameron, Archie and Sam, to whom the deepest condolences are extended. J. D. R. S.