THE grieving brother of Captain David Seath, a Scot with 29 Commando, who died after collapsing during the London Marathon, hailed him a “hero” and an “inspiration” during an emotional tribute at his funeral.
Gary Seath told the Green Beret and Afghanistan veteran to “rest easy my brother, your tour of duty is complete”, as he joined hundreds of friends, family and soldiers at the service at St Margaret’s RC Memorial Church in Dunfermline, Fife.
The 31-year-old suffered a suspected cardiac arrest while running the 26.2-mile course for Help for Heroes on April 24 and later died in hospital.
Among the 350 mourners was Seath’s devoted girlfriend Gaby, 29, who last week told how she found out hours after her boyfriend’s death that he was preparing to pop the question.
Traffic in Dunfermline was brought to a standstill as a lone piper guided his hearse and mourners to the town’s cemetery following the funeral led by parish priest Father Chris Heenan.
Seath, from Cowdenbeath in Fife but based in Devon, was a fire support team commander in 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery.
Capt James Walker-McClimens of the 7th Parachute Royal Horse Artillery read out a heart-warming tribute written by David’s devastated brother Gary.
He read: “There are no words to express how devastated I am that this story has so tragically ended with so many chapters left unwritten.
“I take great strength in the memories of him and the pride he had being an officer at 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery.
“He was dedicated to his men and supported those who could not fight for themselves against the tyranny of the modern world.
“My life is now dedicated to ensuring that his legacy continues. Rest easy my brother, your tour of duty is complete and you can come home.”
Seath’s coffin was draped in the flag of the country he fought so hard for in Afghanistan.
Major Jim McCaffery, 7 (Sphinx) Commando Battery, based in Arbroath, told the service: “It is with great sadness that we are here today to say farewell to Captain David Seath.
“David was an inspiration to all of us. I genuinely could not have wished for a finer officer.
“He will be sorely missed and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
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