Tributes to former PC Jim Bremner
Well-known in city beats
Perth’s Congregational Church was filled to overflowing on Monday afternoon for the funeral of popular, longserving local police officer Jim Bremner.
Friends and family gathered to say their final farewells to the wellrespected 78-year-old who died at his home in Perth on July 15 after a short illness.
Born and brought up in the Craigie area of the city, he was educated at Perth Academy before working at RN Stores, Almondbank.
After National Service in the RAF, serving in Cyprus and Aden, he joined the former Perth City Police Force.
He carried out motorcycle duties for a time and was a ‘well kent face’ on the beat around city streets before retiring in 1990.
A former member of the 53rd (Congregational Church) Scouts, he was also a faithful member of that church, serving as an elder, member of the board of management, trustee, Gift Aid convener and choir member.
Although brought up in the city, he had a great love of the outdoors and was at his happiest when ‘hunting, fishing and shooting’ in the Perthshire hills.
In his younger days he played rugby for Perthshire, later becoming a coach, and he was also a keen golfer, latterly at Dunning.
In a wide-ranging tribute to Jim, the Rev. Gordon Campbell, minister of the Congregational Church, said that he was “a lot of things to a lot of people”.
Among the many messages of sympathy and support received by his wife Norma was one containing a quote from Pericles, a 5th Century BC Greek statesman.
“His message, in translation, seems timeless,” explained Mr Campbell.
It read: “What you leave behind is not what is engraved on stone monuments but what is written into the lives of others.”
Jim met his future wife Norma, a nurse, at a dance in Bridge of Earn and they married in 1963.
They celebrated their golden wedding on October 5, 2013, and travelled extensively, often through their mutual love of golf, after their two children, Janette and Derek, ‘flew the nest.’
“We’re here today, united in our admiration for Jim - and all that he did and achieved and was,” concluded Mr Campbell.
“His faith wasn’t something bolted on - an optional extra - it was at the very core of the man he was.
“We give thanks for his lifelong concern for others but also for his conviction that this life, good as it is, is not our final destination - but we are passing through.”
In a moving personal tribute, Alex Murdoch, who knew Jim for almost 70 years, told the packed congregation: “Our life is fuller for having known Jim - and he will be sadly missed.”
Referring to his long and varied police career, he added: “His easygoing and friendly personality was a great asset on the beat.
“There were very few people - and fewer baddies - unknown to Jim.
“Even decades on, the criminals Jim apprehended would still give him a friendly greeting in the street.”
Jim was also described as a “man of great charm and humour” who could strike up a conversation anywhere. Jim Bremner
“People responded to him - he had a truly special gift that can’t be learned but comes from within.”
Jim is survived by his wife Norma, daughter Janette, her husband Eric, son Derek and his wife Angela, as well as five grandchildren.
A retiring collection was taken at the church for the Cornhill Macmillan Centre.