A popular police officer who walked the beat in towns across the north-east has died at the age of 69.
David Thomson served in Rosehearty throughout the 1970s but during his career he also took in postings with Grampian Police in Banchory, Ballater, Banff, Fraserburgh and Stonehaven.
Mr Thomson, who grew up in Oldmeldrum, took to life in the police well and he was only three years into the job when he passed his sergeant’s exam. That was quickly followed by his inspectors assessment.
Following his retirement, the grandfather-of-two continued to help Grampian Police by working on the computer systems at their headquarters in Aberdeen.
Mr Thomson died at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on September 11 after suffering from cancer.
Jim Taylor, a close friend of Mr Thomson from Rosehearty, said he had been passionate about the great outdoors and especially the Aberdeenshire coast.
He said Mr Thomson got on well with everyone living in the coastal community.
Mr Taylor said: “When at Rosehearty we shared an interest in the western cliffs of the burgh and all its secretive shores and hidden historic mysteries that formed the beautiful coves.
“David walked his beat throughout the Burgh and spoke to everyone, whether in conversation or just in passing, and so he formed a very good relationship with the town’s folk and was always ready to help even when off duty.
“Therefore, David was a great community police officer who shared the interests of others and became a family man who to all seemed as if he had always been there.
“He repaired the old police bicycle and cycled round the country district and made friends with everyone.
“Today when we see so much cuts in public services and in particular the police we should all look back to community police officers like David Thomson.
“Speaking to David lately he bore his illness with his usual great courage. That was him. He was one of the best.”
Mr Thomson was laid to rest following a service at Baldarroch Chapel and Crematorium, Crathes yesterday.
He is survived by his wife Irene, daughter Adele and son Paul.
