The funeral has taken place of former Angus funeral director and publican David Mackay. He was 78.
Mr Mackay was born on January 3 1936 to Dorothy and Robert Mackay, and lived in Hannah Street, Arbroath with his two sisters. He operated the business his father had started, David Mackay Funeral Directors.
Mr Mackay attended Ladyloan and then Arbroath High School, and left at around 15 to serve as an apprentice with Sievwright’s the Joiners, a large employer in the town at that time.
He took over the family business in 1967, during the remodelling of the Millgate to make way for new roads, and was behind construction of its Gowan Street premises.
His joinery skills went hand in hand with a keen business sense, as he worked with tradesmen during the shop fitting.
As well as the funeral directors, Mr Mackay ran several pubs including branches of Breakers in Arbroath and Montrose, and the Stag Bar, Dorwards and Tropics, and the Tryst Caf and pool hall in his home town.
He entered National Service with the RAF after leaving Sievwright’s, and was sent to help with administration at Pitreavie Castle, learning skills that would be of good use in business.
A hard-working man who only set down his tools six months ago, Mr Mackay was known for his honesty and humour. As a young man, he raised pigeons and played darts, enjoyed taking his family on holiday, travelling widely in later years.
He was a member of the Royal British Legion (Scotland) in Helen Street. Mr Mackay married Vera in 1961 and the couple had three children.
After they were divorced, Mr Mackay met Anne in 1972 and the couple were married in 1975 at St Andrew’s Church.
The Mackays moved to Cyprus after the sale of the business to Co-operative Funeralcare in 1992, and returned recently to be with family.
Mr Mackay is survived by his wife Anne, children and step-children David, Jennifer, Christine and Amanda, and seven grandchildren among a large family.