Stirling Observer

THE MAN WHO WORE TWO HATS

Tom dies day before receiving Scottish honour

- HRIS MARZELLA

Tribute has been paid to a former police officer and mountain rescue volunteer who died recently.

Tom Gibbon, from Lochearnhe­ad, passed away at Forth Valley Royal Hospital on Sunday, October 27, following a short illness.

The 66 year-old served as a rural community officer in the village and was one of a team of four officers providing 24-hour on-call policing from Strathyre to

Tyndrum. He served with the police for 32 years.

Tom later became an integral member of Killin Mountain Rescue Team, serving as an active member for 23 years, including many years as assistant coordinato­r and assistant secretary.

Callander Primary School said farewell to one of its most popular figures last week.

Yvonne Russell retired from her position as Support for Learning and Administra­tive Assistant.

She has worked at both Callander Primary and Trossachs Primary Schools for over 22 years, supporting many children along the way.

Callander Primary headteache­r Tanya Starkey said:“Yvonne has contribute­d to school life in so many ways, from supporting children’s learning to creating wonderful sets for school shows.

“She has been such a kind, caring, supportive member of the staff team and is going to be really missed by staff and children.”

KMRT recently nominated him for the Scottish Mountain Rescue Distinguis­hed Service Award.

However, he passed away just a day before it was to be presented to him.

The award has now been given to his family.

His funeral was held at Stirlingsh­ire Crematoriu­m on Tuesday and he is survived by his wife, Moira, children Claire (42) and Donald (37), and grandchild­ren Lochlann

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 ??  ?? poignant Tom’s book was published earlier this year
poignant Tom’s book was published earlier this year

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