Stanley Reid – former owner of Beekies Neuk bar and Bankhead Chipper in Bucksburn, has passed away age 73.
Early years
Stan and his twin sister Norma were born on July 9, 1948 in Fyvie Cottage Hospital to Bucksburn couple Ronnie and Isabella Reid.
He was the younger brother of Ron and Colin, and older sibling to Norma – who was born just after him, and little sister Shirley.
Stan was raised in Bucksburn, attending Cloverfield Primary School then Bankhead Academy.
But from an early age he inherited a strong work ethic from the Reid side of the family.
With multiple jobs under his belt by his teenager years he later joined the Merchant Navy.
Love at the Beehive
However, work wasn’t the only thing on his mind during his time away at sea.
On one trip home he and his friends took to Aberdeen’s well-known Beehive Club, and while there he met Patricia Gordon.
The pair were smitten but found a long distance relationship difficult, so Stan took a job working on the coal ships going between Aberdeen and Newcastle.
Patricia had extended family in Tyneside and so Stan was looked after on his stopovers to England.
The young couple got engaged in November 1967 and married on October 18, 1968 in Torry Parish Church.
Family life
Their first home was in Torry where Stan worked as a lorry driver.
“His claim to fame at the time was that he drove the longest trailer in Aberdeen,” said son Paul. “He worked for Charles Alexander and JB Anderson transporting pipes.”
While in Torry they had their first child, Paul, then moved to a new build home in Portlethen. Second son Martin, who has since passed away as a result of an accident at work, was born there in 1974.
Nicholas came along in 1982 completing their family.
Living in Bucksburn meant Stan was closer to his family.
His father – a joiner by trade – was a very industrious man, known for his hard work. He bought a chip shop on the main street which was later replaced by another on Bankhead Avenue.
Bankhead Chip Shop
By the mid 70s, Ron and Isabella had retired from the chipper allowing Stan and Pat an opportunity to take it on themselves.
“My parents were partners in marriage and in business ever since, ” said Paul.
Not only did they run one of the area’s most popular chip shops, Pat would cook and sell home cooked meals as well.
“Between them they fed the whole of Bucksburn!”
Always trying to remain current the pair added in a baked potato machine, a sweet counter and they even rented out VHS cassettes as well.
They were also awarded a contract catering for Marshall’s Trailers and would draw in a crowd each night from oil and gas workers coming from Dyce.
Landlord life
Stan was known for his rapport with the customers. Always enjoying banter from behind the counter it was suggested that he and Pat would be well suited to running a pub.
So in 1991 when their family’s favourite Sunday lunch spot – Beekies Neuk – became available they jumped at the chance and a new season of being landlords commenced.
That same year they won P&J Pub of the Year.
But while Stan’s role was behind the bar Pat became the restaurant chef – where she still works today.
For a time Stan’s brother Ron also provided additional help. They formed a formidable double act but when Ron died after a long illness aged 63 from complications due to diabetes, it was a warning call for Stan to also take it easier himself.
In 2005, he stepped back from the day-to-day running of the bar handing the reins to Paul. Under his son’s lead the bar reclaimed its Pub of the Year crown in 2017.
Retirement
Accompanying his professional golfer son Nicholas back onto his favourite fairway at Deeside Golf Course he relished his retirement, especially the time he had with his grandsons Thomas, Bailey and Nathan.
In recent months Stan experienced increasing tiredness and it was discovered he had a blood disorder as well as diabetic issues himself.
“My dad eventually ended up in the ARI. The doctors and nurses were incredible – and as always they all took to my dad. He was one of those people that had time for everybody so everybody had time for him.”
As Stan’s strength waned Paul watched a touching exchange between grandpa and grandsons.
“It was as though he held back enough energy just to have one final moment with his grandchildren.
“On seeing them his final words were ‘I love my boys.’
Final farewell
Stanley passed away at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, on Tuesday, June 21, aged 73 years with his beloved Pat and his family by his side.
His funeral will take place in Newhills Church, on Thursday, June 30, at 1pm where Rhinestone Cowboy – or ‘nine stone cowboy’ as Stan liked to sing – will be played.
Paul added: “He was a brilliant man. Loved by everyone. We’ve received hundreds of messages saying ‘I worked with your dad’ or ‘I always remember your dad serving me…’
“He was no ordinary man. Him and mum had a special relationship for more than 60 years. He’s a huge miss to everyone who knew him, but especially to us.”
You can read the family’s notice here.
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