Just say the name ‘Lachie,’ and smiles light up the room. That’s how legendary Lachie Stewart will forever be remembered. A hero of Scottish track and field, Stewart, one of the gold medal-winning icons of the 1970 Commonwealth Games, passed away on May 31, 2025, at the age of 81. But he won’t be forgotten. Not now. Not ever. His journey, from a young boy with a passion for running to a name known even in Spain as “El Lachie,” is inked in the hearts of everyone who knew him. Whether on the track, across the fields, or simply chatting with fellow athletes, he brought warmth, wisdom, and inspiration. But how did he pass away?

Lachie quietly passed away at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley, surrounded by family, after a short illness. So, who was Lachie Stewart really? A kid who laced up his running shoes at 14 and never looked back. From local clubs to national championships, he was smashing records and winning races, all while juggling work as a dental technician.

Yep, Lachie trained on lunch breaks and evenings, turning hard work into pure gold. And not just any gold—he represented Scotland at three Commonwealth Games (1966, 1970, 1974) and ran for Great Britain at the 1972 Munich Olympics. His moment of magic? The 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh. Picture this: the crowd roaring, the tension thick, and Lachie kicking past the mighty Ron Clarke with just 100 meters to go, clocking 28:11.72.

That win was a statement that lit up the whole Games for Scotland. It set the stage for heroes like Ian Stewart, Rosemary Stirling, and Rosemary Payne to shine, too. But Lachie’s victory? That was the heart of it all. When the news hit, his son Glen Stewart, whom Lachie coached to become a Great Britain international track and field athlete, shared the heartbreaking announcement on Facebook.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lachie Stewart peacefully today at the RAH Paisley with family by his side after a short illness. Famously known for his victory over 10,000m at the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh… His hardest race has now been run, and he will be greatly missed.” Lachie’s gone, but the track community is shattered because he was more than a runner.

Heartbroken fans share their final words for a track and field legend

When Glen Stewart shared the heartbreaking news of his dad Lachie’s passing, the response was immediate and full of warmth. One track and field fan wrote, “Sorry for your loss, Glen and family. Your Dad was a great athlete and a lovely guy. My thoughts are with you and your family.” Another added, “Glen, I’m so, so sorry.” Everyone easily saw just how close Glen and Lachie were.

Both a father and a son, but they are also best friends and have trained together all their lives. Lachie was Glen’s coach and his main motivator, guiding him all the time, no matter if he was competing or resting. The connection between them was very strong. From the beginning, Lachie helped Glen by training him intensively, and as a result, Glen became internationally known and set new records in the British Under-15 1500m.

As Glen didn’t secure a position for the Olympics, it is evident that Lachie has been a big help to him. Lachie’s induction into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame in 2007 after he stopped playing made Glen and everyone supporting Glen very proud. One more track and field fan added, “Thoughts and prayers are with you, AOL. A legend of a man who will be sorely missed 😥.”

Another shared, “RIP thoughts & prayers with u all. My heart is hurting for u all, and I’m going to miss my bestie of 50 years. I’m going to miss hearing him say when he phoned me, Hi, honey child. Our hellos to each other, R.I.P. Dr. Lachie Stewart. Forever in my heart, thoughts nd prayers. Scotland’s favorite son.” But Lachie’s journey wasn’t always easy! When he was just 17, in the prime of his life, he was asked to quit running!

But did he? No! Doctors told him to retire because of his high blood pressure. Even so, he had his ideas. He kept going until he became one of Scotland’s most beloved athletes. He also spent 44 years working as a dental mechanic. Even at 77, when his lower leg had to be amputated due to diabetes, he did not give up. “Playing sports made me more determined,” he said in the interview.

One more track and field fan added, “So sorry to hear this… My thoughts and prayers r with u and ur family at this time. Lachie was a lovely man and truly inspiring. I’ll never forget his visit to Kilpatrick School during our Health and Wellbeing Week; it was an amazing experience for all our pupils. A true legend who made a real impact.” Indeed, could not have put it better.

Besides being a sports superstar, Lachie touched the lives of many with the kindness he showed to everyone. If he was driving on the track or just chatting with students in a school, people always felt important to him. However, his funeral details aren’t yet known, but there is no doubt his hardest challenge is now done, and we all feel a little less bright because of that.