The life of popular Inverurie dog walker Leighanne Webster was celebrated with the ultimate tribute at her funeral… a 10-strong canine guard of honour.
The 42-year-old mum-of-two ran her own Pawtastic Walks business, and her sudden death left her family – and her community – reeling.
To bid her a final farewell her coffin was led into Baldarroch Cremtorium by 10 dogs and their owners.
Always family first for Kemnay quine Leighanne
Leighanne was born on January 10 1983, in Aberdeen, to school cleaner Loraine and Kemnay Quarry worker Michael Shewan.
Raised in Kemnay with her younger brother Bruce, she thrived in a loving home. Especially close to her dad’s mum, granny Isabella, time with her extended family was what Leighanne loved most.
From Alehousewells Primary Leighanne moved on to Kemnay Academy. A studious girl, she never shied away from hard work. She took on a Saturday job at Connie’s hairdressers and worked at the Port Chipper after school.
Despite her busy schedule, Leighanne always had time for friendship. The bonds she formed at school, especially with her “chum Claire”, continued throughout her life.
‘Fiercely independent,’ Leighanne found love unexpectedly
On leaving education, Leighanne went right to work. Initially employed by Blythewood, she later joined Aberness Care.
Fiercely independent, by 17 she moved out of the family home and into her own flat on Station Road, Kemnay.
Regularly visited by her brother, the Burnett Arms quickly became their go-to place.
At the age of 20 – after becoming unwell – Leighanne found out she had type 1 diabetes. Just as she was coming to terms with a life-changing diagnosis, a friend of her cousin introduced her to Inverurie Paper Mill worker Kyle Webster.
“I was driving around town in my new car, with a mutual friend. She asked me to stop to speak with Leighanne.
“That was it. We got talking. I went round for coffee and never left. That was 21 years ago.”
Diabetes diagnosis meant pregnancy difficulties for the mum-of-two
While still in their Station Road flat, the couple welcomed their first child, Ethan, in 2006.
“Leighanne worked really hard to get on top of her diabetes but pregnancy was tricky,” said Kyle.
“During the second trimester, her blood sugars were all over the place.
“They warn you that diabetic mothers have big kids. Well, thank God Ethan came by caesarean section… he was born weighing 12lb 11!”
The couple’s daughter April-Leigh arrived in 2010, a month early, weighing in at 9lbs.
The family would eventually move into Balhalgardy Court in Inverurie, where they settled.
‘In Leighanne I married my best friend,’ said Kyle
In 2013, Leighanne married Kyle in Inverurie Registration Office, before celebrating at Kemnay Bowling Club. Not one for foreign travel – Leighanne had never been on an aeroplane – the newlyweds spent a weekend in a caravan in Lossiemouth for their honeymoon.
“We didn’t need anything fancy,” Kyle said. “I married my best friend, and we were joined at the hip.
“She just loved getting to celebrate with her friends and family all around. Leighanne adored her aunts, uncles, cousins and their families, and was really close to Bruce and his wife, and their family.”
An avid fan of karaoke, with a great voice, Leighanne loved a visit to her brother’s “Shewan Shack and Bar”.
‘Dogs were Leighanne’s life… she just loved them’
Known for her unique style and passion for tattoos, mum-of-two Leighanne was proud to have launched her own business.
Combining her love of animals and an exceptional work ethic, Pawtastic Walks was born.
Offering dog walking in Inverurie, Kintore and Kemnay her books were always full of clients in need of her expertise.
“She just loved dogs,” said Kyle. “Which is why we are the proud owners of a rescued XL Bully called Kaos.
“Dogs were her life. Our daughter April shared that passion and often helped her mum.”
‘Amazing mum’ Leighanne had a heart of gold
Though the demands of running her own business meant early mornings and busy days for Leighanne, she was never too “booked up” to spend time with her kids.
“An amazing mum with a heart of gold” she made sure her blood sugar levels were kept under control using a device on her arm and an app on her phone.
On Friday June 6 Kyle and Leighanne settled down for “a nice normal evening” together.
Kyle has returned from his job as a ramp agent at the airport, and Leighanne had prepared their meal.
They watched some TV, and as was her routine, Leighanne went to bed earlier than Kyle so she could rise early for dog walking.
‘My heart is shattered, ‘ says husband Kyle
“We had a long-running thing where I’d say, ‘I’ll see you when I come up,’ and she’d reply, ‘No, you won’t’ because she knew I would just sneak in.
“But that night I decided to wake her up, and we lay there and chatted for over an hour.
“About half past two in the morning, we fell asleep.”
Kyle then woke up to the sound of their dog howling and squealing.
He assumed Leighanne was up and away to work and Kaos was just playing up.
“It was only when I went to get up I realised she was still next to me,” said heartbroken Kyle.
“I worked in the ambulance service for a few years, so I knew what had happened.
“It was one of the worst moments of my life, having to call our son Ethan to tell him his mum was gone. And then to tell Leighanne’s parents.
“That’s when my heart shattered.”
Ultimate tribute as dogs led the funeral procession
Leighanne died in the early hours of Saturday June 7. The official cause of death was diabetes mellitus type 1. According to the data from her monitor, her blood sugar levels dropped drastically around 3.30am.
“I don’t know why neither of us heard an alarm going off, but I’ll be forever grateful we had that time together, during the night, one last time.”
A celebration of Leighanne’s life took place on Thursday June 26 at Baldarroch Crematorium.
In memory of the “larger than life” dog lover, people were asked to wear bright colours. While her favourite Saint Phnx track – Home – played, Leighanne’s coffin was led in by a canine guard of honour made up of her clients and their pets.
‘I’m not ready to say goodbye’, said Leighanne’s son, Ethan
A huge fan of Pink, the rock star’s version of Bohemian Rhapsody was also included, and Ethan paid tribute to his mum.
“I wish I’d had more time to say everything I’ve ever wanted to say to you,” he said.
“I wish I had known that you’d be gone so soon. You weren’t just my best friend, you were dad’s God- given solace, his wife…
“You helped me through so much of my adult life. I wouldn’t be able to stand as proud of where I am in life without you. I owe you so much but to you it was nothing at all. No matter if we spoke or had arguments, we were always able to laugh about it and have fun.
“I’m nowhere near ready to say goodbye. You always said: ‘Keep your chin up or you won’t be able to look forward.’ I’m looking up, out, and beyond now, hoping you reached that rainbow bridge where great granny and grandad, Uncle Lewis, Auntie Toots, Shelby and Bella wait for you.
“We all love you.”
At the service, more than £1100 was raised for Diabetes UK and an XL Bully charity in Forfar.
“Both charities have received their money and we think it’s just amazing. She would be so chuffed,” added Kyle.
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