George brought a smile to everyone that he met
George Tod, 1946-2017
George Tod was a family man, a hard-working farmer and a keen sportsman. Born on January 25, 1946, he lived all his life on the island and passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at Balgowan on Saturday March 4. He was 71.
George was raised at Glenree and started his married life with Lillian at Ballenree in Whiting Bay. He would joke that he should never have been a farmer, but his lean and wiry frame belied the heart of a lion. In 1978 they moved to Glenree, the largest hill sheep farm on the island, and like generations of his family before him, shepherding and farming were very much in George’s genes. He and Lillian brought up four children; Alison, David, Jennifer and Graeme and moved from Glenree to Balgowan in Shiskine in 1996.
George had a special sense of humour second to none. Sometimes a bit off the wall some may say, but always kindly and fun-loving. Being so active, he was perhaps accident-prone, but always came up smiling and saw the funny side of situations. He was a keen footballer, with the highlight of his playing career being part of the 1972 Arran Cup winning Southend team. Badminton, squash and golf were other activities that he excelled at, even competing as a family in the Corrie Capers fun run on one occasion.
As well as raising first class stock, George won accolades in the championship showing rings, ranging from the champion beef animal at the Christmas Fatstock Show and Sale in Brodick to best overhead sheep at the Arran Show in summer. His successes in the show ring came not only from his time at Glenree, but also after the family moved to the homely steading of Balgowan in Shiskine. The Arran Farmers Society played a huge part in his life and George was a lifetime supporter of the Arran Show, holding various offices – as director, chairman, and honorary vice president. He was never more proud than when he was asked to be the first ‘non-gentry’ president of the Society, taking over that role from the Lady Jean Fforde just last year.
Among his favourite sayings were: ‘My work is my hobby and, life is a holiday, enjoy every minute’. He brought a smile to the faces of all he met. The amazing turnout of family and friends at his funeral service in St Molio’s Church was testament to a life well-lived and wellloved. George is survived by daughters Alison and Jennifer, sons David and Graeme and grandchildren Rory, Lily, Stanley, Florence and Tod.
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