Humanist Tom lived a happy and fulfilling life

Society pays tribute

Tributes have been paid to a West Lothian man who was the oldest and longest surviving member of The Humanist Society Scotland.

Tom Birkley died in St John’s Hospital, Livingston, on June 18 aged 90. Investigations revealed that he was the 46th member of HSS since the charity was formalised in 1989. The society say Tom must have been either one of its founding members or one of the very earliest members when the Society was first formed in Scotland. Thomas Birkley known as Tom, was born in Woodmuir, near Breich, on October 28, 1925, the elder son of Sarah and Fred, having one brother, Robert. Tom spent his formative years in Woodmuir where he was schooled, although didn’t particularly enjoy school and was often found hiding behind the wash house or coal house. He left school at the age of 14 and started working in mining at Woodmuir Colliery. He recalled as a youngster having to work at a coal seam only two-feet high. He also worked in Whitrigg Colliery, Fauldhouse Colliery and latterly at Polkemmet Colliery. Tom met his wife, Margaret, at the dancing in Fauldhouse Coop Halls. They married in 1949. Tom started singing and he sang in clubs, old folk’s homes and at Burns Suppers. Tom and Margaret moved to Bathgate where they happily spent the last 22 years and Tom maintained his membership of and interest in the Humanist Society. Tom is survived by his wife Margaret, his son Fred and daughter- in- law, Evelyn, his grandchildren, Dale and Adele, and his great grandchildren, Caelen, Lucas and Marcus. HSS chief executive, Gordon MacRae, said: “By all accounts Tom lived a happy and fulfilling life, his early interest in the Humanist Society was maintained throughout his life and we are very grateful for the support he had given us over the years.”