Arbroath BB stalwart Earl Matthew

A leading light in the Boys’ Brigade in Arbroath and Angus, whose dedication to the organisation was rewarded with an MBE, has died in his 94th year.

Earl Matthew’s contribution to the life of his hometown was also marked with the unveiling of a street named in his honour.

Officers from the 7th Arbroath BB, which he founded 60 years ago, were part of a guard of honour on his final journey.

After National Service in the 2nd Battalion Highlanders, Earl returned home to complete his apprenticeship as a joiner with Andersons before going on to the Gerrard boatbuilding firm in the Angus town, finishing up at Robb Caledon in Dundee making ships’ furnishings.

His working career then changed to insurance and he worked for the Britannic Assurance Company Ltd until his retirement in 1991.

He will be best remembered in Arbroath for his work in the Boys’ Brigade, having formed the 7th Arbroath company in September 1960, where he served as an officer in the Life Boys, now the Junior Section of the organisation.

Earl took over as captain in 1986 and retired on the 50th celebrations of the company in 2011.

Over the years he guided numerous boys to gain their Queen’s Badge – the highest honour in the Brigade.

In recognition of his commitment to the Boys’ Brigade and while president of the Angus Battalion, Earl received the MBE from Prince Charles in a Buckingham Palace investiture which coincided with his birthday on July 12 2001.

He was also honoured by Arbroath Rotary Club in 2000, in recognition of outstanding service within the community.

In 2012 a street was named after him, Earl Matthew Avenue, at the Monarch’s Rise housing development on the north side of the town.

As a true Red Lichtie, Earl was also a lifelong supporter of Arbroath Football Club and held a Gayfield Park season ticket until well into his eighties.

He was the most senior elder at St Andrew’s Church, whose minister and current Church of Scotland Moderator, the Very Rev Martin Fair, paid tribute to his church and BB commitment at the recent funeral service.

Earl is survived by his wife of 68 years, Helen, son Donald and daughter Wilma, four grandsons and three great-grandchildren.

Mr Matthew at Buckingham Palace.