John Anderson (27 May 1928 - 30 Apr 2019)

In loving memory of John Anderson, "Jock" who sadly passed away at home surrounded by his family on 30th April 2019.

John was born in Aberdeenshire on May 27th 1928, the first son of John and Mary Anderson. He was the eldest and last surviving brother of James, "Jim" and David, "Davie". His early life was hard, with no running water or electricity; John had to carry water long distances from a spring and learned to do almost every job there was to do on the family croft, he could even knit. However, he shared fond memories of this time with his family. John left school at 13 and was straight to working on the land and then onto training as a carpenter. He remembered having to sleep on a very uncomfortable straw bed in an extremely cold barn during this time.

John voluntarily joined the RAF towards the end of World War II and quickly picked up the name "Jock". Jock enjoyed his time in the RAF, working as a steward in the Officer's Mess. During his time in the RAF he met Les Reid and what started with a bust up ended up as a lifetime's valued friendship. Jock was posted to Lincolnshire where he met and later married his beloved wife Audrey. They recently celebrated 65 years of married life.

After leaving the RAF Jock briefly worked on the land and then worked at Dick Miller's doing all manner of household repairs and decoration. He used many of these skills helping many friends and family over the years.

After marrying at Holy Trinity Church, Martin, Jock and Audrey began married life living in a Nissan Hut on Moor Grove. They eventually progressed to a brand new house on West Grove where a few years later his first daughter Julie was born. Jock only moved once more two doors away after the family increased to five with the arrival of surprise twins Fiona and Theresa.

Julie remembers the many wooden toys that her Dad made including a doll's house, wheelbarrow and the rocking horse 'Dobbin'. Theresa and Fiona remember their Dad with a thick brown beard; one day he came home from work clean shaven and they hid under the table, as they thought he was a stranger. They both had to be persuaded to come out and he regrew his beard soon after.

The rest of Jock's working days were spent working at Stepnells Building and Civil Engineering. He enjoyed working there, progressing to General Foreman of all Trades, making many friends along the way. He retired at 65 and set to building house extensions for family members. By this time Jock already had 3 grandchildren, Matthew, Lauren and Cherise and two more soon followed with Georgina and Harry. They all have fond memories of their Grandad.

Jock's active retirement was shortened by ill health more recently, but his life was brightened by his great grandchildren Riley, Seth, Lillian, Rex, Reggie and Sidney and step- great grandchildren Caiden and Alfie. They all adored him and he loved playing with them all, they brought joy to his life.

Jock has touched many lives and will be sadly missed by all.