Death of ex-Dundee Police Station turnkey Mark Muir

MARK Muir served his country for 22 years, including with the Army during the First Gulf War.

For the next 22 years he served his community as a turnkey at Dundee Police Station.

Mark, who has died aged 69, was also a popular customer at The Fort, Broughty Ferry, and a regular on its golfing trips.

He was born in Motherwell in May 1952, the fourth of George and Annie Muir’s children.

He was raised in a close family, forging strong bonds with his siblings, especially with Anne and Alistair who were younger than him.

Educated at Netherton Primary and Wishaw Central School, he spent a couple of years working for an ironmonger until November 1971 when he joined the King’s Own Scottish Borderers and served for 22 years and four days, reaching the rank of sergeant.

Mark completed eight tours in Northern Ireland and served in Berlin, Kenya, Belize, the US, Germany, Singapore, Australia and during the First Gulf War.

The final period of his career was as a practice manager at a military medical centre.

After leaving the Army, Mark decided he needed a fresh start and settled into a flat in Fort Street, Broughty Ferry.

He soon made friends at The Fort and began work as a turnkey with the police in Bell Street, Dundee.

It was at The Fort that he met his future wife, Lindsey. Throughout that year, their friendship grew and they were soon dating.

On Christmas Day 2011 Mark got down on one knee in front of Lindsey’s family and proposed. The couple married on May 17 2013 in the Broughty Ferry Hotel.

Over the years they enjoyed many holidays together including to Egypt, Paris, New York, Jordan and, their favourite destination, Cala Millor in Majorca.

A lifelong Motherwell supporter, Mark and Lindsey, a Dundee United fan, enjoyed wagers whenever their teams clashed.

Last November, Mark was diagnosed with cancer.

He spent the last 11 days of his life in Ward 32 at Ninewells, where he died with his wife Lindsey, daughter Megan and family friend Tracy by his side.

Mark Muir served around the world.