Residents of Arnage, by Ellon, gathered in numbers at Ellon Parish Church to pay their respects to community stalwart George Mutch who has died aged 86.
But while there was sadness among the substantial gathering, it was also an occasion to celebrate a man who devoted his life to serving the community.
After moving out of Ellon – his place of birth – to live at Blindburn, George evolved into a genuine all-rounder.
George had been educated at primary level in Ellon before moving on to Ellon Academy.
Multi-skilled
After leaving school he turned his hand to driving, shop work and was a bus operator in the area where he became a popular and weel-kent figure.
With his wife Patty he opened up a general store, while committing himself to transporting children to the various schools in the area, including Ellon Academy, making him a popular figure among all age groups in the community.
George was a cheerful, outgoing but modest man who made friends easily, and in all the years I knew him, never heard him speak badly of anyone.
The nearest he came was when Aberdeenshire Council terminated his school contract.
Sportsman
Away from his various business interests and his loving family, George was an enthusiastic and talented golfer, as witnessed by the number of times he beat me at the McDonald Club and Cruden Bay.
Even in victory he was almost apologetic for having got the better of you. He was equally skilled at badminton at Auchnagatt where he spent many a happy hour.
Losing his Patty his wife of 55 years last year was a major blow to him but he had his loving family for comfort in his time of grief.
Joy
As his nephew Andrew Connon so eloquently said in his eulogy “this is a time to remember George but also one to celebrate his life and the joy and the fun he brought to all our lives”.
George is survived by his daughters Susan and Gail and their husbands, Mark and Greg, and his beloved grandchildren Kyle, Jamie, Abigail and Ben.
It was a privilege to know him.
You can read the family’s announcement here.
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