KIRKWALL
Edgar [Gary] Gibson

Lt. Col. Edgar Gibson, better known as Gary, was a long-time member of the Kirkwall branch. Gary passed away on 13 March, at the age of 88 years.

On leaving school he studied art, graduating in 1957 with a diploma in art and in 1958 with a teaching qualification. He taught at Kirkwall Grammar School.

Gary was called up for National Service in 1958 and served in Cyprus during the EOKA terrorist campaign. On his return to Orkney he continued his military career with the Territorial Army, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He also earned the role of Deputy Lieutenant of Orkney and latterly Vice Lord Lieutenant.

In 1986, Gary was awarded an MBE for services to the Territorial Army. He was a member of many organisations within Orkney and was a prolific painter, a devoted family man and a loyal friend. His death has been a great loss to the community.

He is survived by his wife Jean and their daughters, Laura and Ingrid and sons, Edgar and Sigurd.

LOSSIEMOUTH
Evelyn Fraser

Lossiemouth branch sadly announces the death in December 2022 of Honorary Member Mrs Evelyn Fraser.

 

Evelyn, born in Lossiemouth in December 1930, served for many years as Steward of the branch club.

STROMNESS
David Logie Towers

All members of the Stromness branch were greatly saddened by the sudden death of David Logie Towers on 30 December 2022. Davie was one of the early National Service personnel to be called for duty and served with the Royal Artillery during the troubles in Cyprus.

On his return home, Davie and his second wife Moira became very active members, dedicating much of their time to branch and club committees and duties, such as organising indoor games, pool and bingo.

Davie will be very sadly missed and is survived by his son Robert and daughter Phyllis.

WICK, CANISBAY & LATHERON
Alexander Henderson

A retired Clerk of Works and valued member of Wick, Canisbay & Latheron branch, Alex Henderson passed away, aged 92 years, on 17 December 2022. The father of Peter and Andrew, he was predeceased by his wife, Anne.

Alex was a weel-kent face in Wick and will be much missed by his family and friends.

Magnus Robert Larnach

Robbie Larnach, as he was known, was born in Huntly but moved to Caithness when he was 10 and remained there until his death on 26 February 2023, aged 98 years. During the war he was a driver and mechanic with the Royal Artillery and was awarded, among other honours, the Legion d’Honneur.

Robbie was a humble and hardworking man who loved playing football and was one of seven in his family who played for Lybster FC at one time. He was predeceased by his wife, Liba, and was a dear father to June, Noel, Valerie and Magnus. His interview with Wick Voices telling of his wartime experiences, is available, courtesy of Alan Hendry, Wick Heritage Society, at wickheritage.org

Richard Polanski

Richard Polanski died at home in Dunbeath on 17 December 2022, aged 101 years. Richard was born in Poland and fled his home country when the Germans and Soviets invaded. When he joined the Polish Navy as a gunner he helped evacuate troops at Dunkirk. Later assigned to the destroyer Piorun, Richard was involved in searching for the Bismarck in the final battle. He settled in Dunbeath after the war with his late wife, Joyce, and was a popular figure in the county as well as a much-loved father to Victor, Lucia, Evelyn, Janet, Richard and John.

In recent years, Richard recorded a very interesting interview telling of his life and experiences and this is also available on Wick Voices, courtesy of Alan Hendry, Wick Heritage Society, at wickheritage.org