One of Arbroath’s longest-serving lifeboat coxswains and owner of the former Golden Lion Garage, Doug Matthewson, has died aged 88.
The dad-of-three, who received the BEM for his services to Arbroath’s lifeboat crew, started his career as a fisherman before owning the renowned car business.
Douglas Matthewson was born on October 3 1934 in Arbroath to millworker Janet and mechanic James Matthewson.
The middle of three boys, he attended Parkhouse School then Arbroath High School.
At 15, Doug left school for a life working at sea; however, at 19 he met his future wife, Anne West, from Montrose, at the dancing.
The pair wed on April 24 1954 in Melville South Church, Montrose, and lived in an attic flat in John Street, Arbroath.
Doug was still working as a fisherman and eventually the couple moved into another home, the former schoolroom of what is now the Signal Tower museum. From there they lived in East Abbey Street.
Golden Lion
In 1957 their first son, Douglas, was born, followed by Alan in 1958 and Susan in 1960.
Doug was still going to sea until 1968, but started buying, doing up and selling cars from 1966.
In 1967 he bought the Golden Lion garage on Montrose Road, Arbroath, and this became his full-time pursuit.
Comprising a showroom, filling station and workshop, Doug began to employ staff before branching into becoming the go-to person for certain brands.
Starting with a franchise for Vauxhall and Bedford, Colt, BMW, Scimitar, Citroen and Rover came next, though Doug himself was a fan of driving Jaguars in his younger years, before opting for BMWs.
High-ticket cars were also sold within Doug’s garage, including Maseratis and secondhand luxury brands such as Ferrari, Porsche, Jenson and Astin Martin.
His loyal customer database spanned Scotland from the Shetland Isles to Mull, and even as far south as London.
His success meant the opening of second branch in Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, in the 1970s. That same decade Doug bought his dream home, Denfield House, which he only sold last year.
Arbroath Lifeboat
In 1953 Doug joined the Arbroath lifeboat crew at 18, just before the Robert Lindsay disaster.
He wasn’t on crew that night when all but one of his crewmates perished.
He served 10 years as a crew member, two years as second coxswain, 25 years as coxswain, then retired at 56, becoming deputy launching authority for a further 13 years.
For his services to the lifeboat he was awarded the BEM in 1990. Despite hoping to receive the honour in the lifeboat shed he had to travel to Cortachy Castle, by Kirriemuir, where the Lord Lieutenant of Angus, Lord Airlie, presented him with his medal.
“My dad was proud of his business but he really loved being part of the lifeboat crew. He was so dedicated to it and we were so proud of him and all he achieved,” said Susan, Doug’s daughter.
‘Never lost his sense of humour’
Doug gave up selling cars in 2010 due to ill health, though other business endeavours continued.
Grandfather to Carly and Kris, he maintained his sense of humour and “jovial character” despite ongoing health challenges, and loved nothing more than time with his family.
He passed away at home on May 28 – as was his wish.
A celebration of his life took place on June 9 with donations going to the RNLI Arbroath.
His daughter commissioned a special floral tribute in the shape of the Golden Lion logo.
“It was one last thing we could do for my dad,” she said.
