Pat Martin, a long-serving employee of Dundee NCR who was immortalised in a mural and widely admired for her youthful looks, has died at the age of 72.
Known fondly as the “female Peter Pan,” Pat worked at the company’s Dundee base for 53 years, becoming a beloved figure and a symbol of dedication in the local workforce.
Her legacy was cemented in recent years with a life-size mural in Dundee.
It placed her alongside some of the city’s most iconic figures, including actor Brian Cox, broadcaster Lorraine Kelly, Billy Mackenzie from The Associates and legendary cartoon characters from DC Thomson.
Paying tribute, her husband, Eddie Martin, said: “Pat will forever be in my thoughts.”
Former NCR colleagues have also been sharing their warm memories.
Pat was brought up in a close-knit family that valued hard work and community
Born on July 18 1952, at Clement Park Nursing Home in Dundee, Pat grew up in the Craigiebank area where her father ran a busy newsagent shop on Albert Street.
With her brother David, Pat was raised in a close-knit family that valued hard work and community.
At Glebelands Primary School, she impressed teachers with perfect attendance, a sign of the dedication that would define her life.
Later, at Stobswell Girls School, Pat’s ambitions began to take shape – inspired by the glowing stories of family members who had worked at NCR, she decided early on that the company was where she wanted to build her career.
When an apprenticeship opportunity arose at NCR, Pat seized it and embarked on a lifelong journey with the company.
Immediately enrolled in NCR’s secretarial school, she quickly became a valued employee.
Although an economic downturn led to redundancy three years later, Pat’s loyalty never wavered.
After a brief stint with British Gas, the call of NCR proved too strong, and she returned to the company, progressing through various roles until becoming private secretary to the head of management information services.
Heartfelt gratitude from former colleagues for support offered by Pat
Following another company restructuring that ended production at Dundee’s factories, Pat was transferred to the Discovery building, where she worked as an administrative assistant in the engineering group.
Throughout her career, Pat was widely admired for her kindness, consideration, and willingness to help others.
She took it upon herself to welcome and support new employees, often guiding them through their first nervous days with the comforting phrase: “See you in the canteen at lunchtime.”
Many former colleagues have expressed heartfelt gratitude for the reassurance she provided during their early days at NCR.
Pat was also a pillar of NCR’s social community. She played an active role in groups like Women in NCR, introducing members to new experiences such as curling.
She helped organise birthday greetings through a popular Birthday Group, was a proud member of the 10-pin bowling team Sister Act, and volunteered for children’s Christmas parties.
If anyone was leaving the company, chances were Pat organised the farewell collection.
Why was Pat immortalised in a mural with Brian Cox and Lorraine Kelly?
Her dedication did not go unnoticed. Over the years, Pat received a succession of awards including a gold watch and vintage champagne served in Swarovski Diamante glasses.
Eventually, NCR honoured her by making her the first employee immortalised in a life-size mural at the Discovery building – a lasting tribute linking her to Dundee’s cultural and industrial legends.
Outside work, Pat enjoyed knitting, holidays with her husband Eddie – particularly in Turkey and later Majorca where they had many friends – and social gatherings with colleagues and friends long after they left NCR.
Pat was an avid reader of romantic novels. She also had an interest in behaviour psychology and often took magazines on the subject for holiday reading.
A lifelong animal lover, Pat’s childhood was shared with three Shelties and many stray cats, one of which faithfully escorted her home from the bus stop each evening.
Known for her ageless energy, Pat was dubbed the “female Peter Pan” because many found it hard to believe her real age. Even in hospital, a nurse once questioned the birthdate on her wristband, convinced it must be incorrect.
Pat’s caring nature shone through even in difficult times. Despite fearing for her own health, she continued to visit a friend battling cancer, showing remarkable strength and compassion.
Patricia Martin is survived by her husband Eddie and brother David. Her passing has left a profound void in the NCR community and Dundee at large, but her legacy lives on – immortalised both in art and in the hearts of all who knew her.
Conversation