George Reid, a well-known figure at Robertson’s the house furnishers in Dundee and Downfield Golf Club in the 1960s and 70s, has died suddenly but peacefully in Blairgowrie, aged 99.
The youngest of seven children, Mr Reid was born in Edinburgh, brought up in Aberdeen and moved to Dundee’s School Road shortly after he and his wife Ena welcomed their son Keith.
Mr Reid worked for over 25 years at Robertson’s as salesman and later a carpet buyer during the firm’s heyday in the late 1950s.
After joining Downfield Golf Club he used his experience while serving on the committee when it hosted several prestigious tournaments in the late 1960s.
A former RAF Volunteer Reserve, Mr Reid was posted to Dyce, Wick, Iceland, Gibraltar and Egypt with 612 Squadron after the outbreak of war.
His son Keith said: “One of his boyhood school pals, Jack Chilton, was killed by enemy fire, but another, ‘Bas’ McBain, remained a close family friend for many years and together they attended 612 Squadron annual reunions until Basil’s death.”
In his retirement, Mr Reid continued to work in various posts, including voluntary driving for the social work department and Meals on Wheels.
In 1997, he and Ena had a house built in Blairgowrie.
Shortly after a stroke deprived him of his short-term memory, Mr Reid became a resident at Hope Park House in Blairgowrie where he spent his final two and a half years.
He is survived by his wife Ena, son Keith, grandchildren Andrew and Catriona, and granddaughter Eilidh.
A celebration of his life will be held at Dundee Crematorium on Monday, at 11am.