12/06/2026
CRYSTAL
Donald (full name John Donald Watson Crystal), born in 1936, grew up in Dundee and did his national service with the Blues and Royals in Germany. He was downhill ski champion in two competitions with the army in Austria. He took over the running of his father's jute business, Halket & Adam Ltd, in Dundee and married Sally Nugent in 1971 after meeting her at a party. They had two sons, Fergus (b1973) and Jamie (b1976). The family moved to what was Donald's parents' home at Tombuie, Aberfeldy in 1986. Donald and Sally set up a deer farm and Tombuie Smokehouse there. Together they sold smoked venison and other products to hotels and enterprises and at farmers markets for many years until their retirement in 2007.
Donald was a complete character with a compassionate heart who had a way of sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm of local Scottish history and an array of practical solutions on the farm, at work and around the home. He loved fishing, stalking, and going out on the hill. Many remember his cheeky sense of humour, hilarious anecdotes but also his kindness and support over the years. Together with friends he organised legendary joint family camping holidays in Scotland. A keen piper, Donald received tutorship in piobaireachd from the then Queen's Piper, Robert Brown who later played at Donald and Sally's wedding. He taught his son Jamie to pipe. In later years, Donald contributed a column to The Piping Times. For many years, Donald supported Sally when she competed in carriage driving championships throughout the UK, driving a tandem pair of horses. He was a constant support through this time. He is survived by his beloved wife Sally, his sons Fergus and Jamie, and his grandchildren Archie (b2006), Bibi (b2009) and Flora(b2011) and his dear sister Carol (b1939). Not to mention his constant companion through his later life, a pug cross called Capt. Jack Sparrow. We all really miss him.
Funeral service will be held at Perth Crematorium on Tuesday 23rd June at 11:00AM, to which all family and friends are respectfully invited, followed by a funeral tea at The Huntingtower Boutique Hotel. Family flowers only please, but if desired, donations may be made to the Friday Club in Aberfeldy (Dementia Friendly - Aberfeldy SCIO / SCO53275), with collection taken at the funeral.
