Hundreds of online tributes have been paid to Gordon Mayne of Maynes Coaches after his sudden death earlier this week.
The 67-year-old unexpectedly died on Wednesday with the news of his death announced on the company’s Facebook page.
A message written by his family said: “It is with great sadness we write this.
“Gordon Mayne, our Dad, Granda and Father in law passed away this morning.
“We are absolutely devastated as we know a lot of you will also be.
“This will leave a huge void in our company, but more importantly in our hearts.
“With love from our family.”
The family have since been flooded with tributes from fellow coach operators, businesses and residents with more than a thousand people reacting to their social media post and nearly 850 leaving comments.
Douglas Robertson, managing director at Stagecoach East Scotland said: “Sorry to hear such sad news. Thoughts are with you all at this time. On behalf of me and the team at Stagecoach East Scotland.”
Allan Clark, director of Fraserburgh’s Watermill Coaches said he was so sorry to hear of his death, he said: “We had the pleasure of working with Gordon on various occasions and just wanted to offer our sincere condolences to all the Mayne family at this difficult time.”
Karen Tiley, regional manager of bus and coaches advocacy group Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), said: “So sorry for your loss. Gordon was a legend of our industry and a beautiful person. With heartfelt condolences xx.”
And Paul White, former CPT employee said: “I am so sorry to hear this. Gordon was hugely respected, valued and liked by CPT staff and members alike.
“My sincere condolences to the Mayne family. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.”
A comment left on the Facebook post by Banstead Coaches said: “So sorry for your loss, our deepest condolences to you all from Banstead Coaches.”
Tracy Duncan said: “We are absolutely shocked and saddened to hear this. Your dad was a true gentleman, never passed without saying hello. He will be a huge miss in Buckie and also with u guys. RIP Gordon.”
Denny Morrison said: “Very Sorry to hear of Gordon’s passing. He will be a very big miss in the Coaching industry and was a very good friend to many.”
Joyce Thain wrote: “Our thoughts are with you all at this really sad time. Gordon was a lovely man. We are deeply shocked. And will miss Gordon. Just devastate for the family.”
Taking over from his father in 1982, Gordon Mayne steered the Buckie business to new heights becoming one of Scotland’s most respected coach operators.
The fleet numbering around 20 in 1992 has more than doubled to 45 vehicles and the company employs around 60 members of staff.
The business will remain in the safe hands of the fourth and fifth generations of the Mayne family.
The funeral will be private with details of the date and route of the procession available on the Maynes Coaches Facebook page in the upcoming days.
