A retired nurse, who arrived in Aberdeen from Hong Kong to study at university in the 1960s, has been appointed to one of the city’s top civic roles.
Gregory Poon will serve as Deputy Lieutenant for the next 10 years, assisting the Lord Lieutenant – Lord Provost George Adam – as the Queen’s representative in Aberdeen.
Mr Poon, 65, will be one of 14 deputies helping out with a series of important duties, such with citizenship ceremonies, royal visits, honours nominations and other matters relating to the Crown.
He said he was thrilled to be appointed to the top post.
“I was absolutely stunned when I found out I had been nominated,” he said.
“I’m very honoured to be asked to undertake the duties of a Deputy Lieutenant.
“I can’t think of a better opportunity to serve our community.”
Mr Poon, left Hong Kong for Aberdeen in 1968 to study nursing at Robert Gordon University.
He went on to complete a postgraduate course in London but returned to the granite city to take up a nursing role with NHS Grampian.
He spent his entire career working for the health authority in Aberdeen, progressing into senior management roles before retiring in 2010.
During his time in Aberdeen Mr Poon has been an active proponent of racial equality, working with the Grampian Regional Equality Council for 18 years.
And in 2004 he was awarded an MBA for his contribution to nursing and racial equality.
Mr Poon said: “”I have four passions in life, the first is racial equality and that is why I sat on the board of the racial equality council for 18 years.
“The second is education, both in terms of university and life in general. I feel it is a great opener towards a better life, that’s why I served as governor of Robert Gordon University for five years between 2008 and 2013.
“Another passion of mine is healthcare, I’m now on the board of Clan Cancer support where I am vice chairman. I wanted to give something back after a 41 year-career with NHS Grampian, and it’s great to help in a charity environment.”
And his fourth passion? That is to be found at Pittodrie.
“Lastly I’m an Aberdeen fan, I started supporting them in 1981 and am on the board of Aberdeen FC,” he explained.
The Lord Provost said he was grateful to have such a long standing stalwart of the community on board.
He said: Gregory is a dedicated advocate for the third sector in Aberdeen and an inspiring community leader.
“His knowledge of our city and our communities will be a great asset to the work of the Lieutenancy.”