Tributes paid to family man Davie Yule

The loved ones of a “family man” and “true gentleman” who passed away recently say he will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.

Mid Calder man William (Davie) Yule died on July 23, aged 71.

Davie was born in Edinburgh on January 4, 1949. His family moved out from there to East Calder when he was two years old.

He was a well- known face in both villages and was loved by the regulars of the Mid Calder Inn - known as the Tap Shop - where he worked for 37 years.

It was in the pub that met his wife Annie in 1979. They moved to Mid Calder after marrying in 1985 and a year later they became the proud parents of daughter Cherylanne.

Davie served people not only behind the bar but in the wider community through his charity work.

He was also responsible for setting up and running the local talent shows, held at the Masonic Hall in Mid Calder, when all the proceeds raised went to help a variety of different charities.

Cherylanne said family was extremenly important to him and he was a proud Granda to Colton and Amaia, who meant the world to him.

She said of her dad: “He was a big character behind the bar and always addressed customers as his pal, he was also known for his now famous sayings ‘just had a bus load in’, ‘how’s the team from the scheme?’ and ‘how’s the happy campers?’

“He was a great listener and loved to remember the day and people of Mid Calder past, which was a great comfort to those that knew him. He genuinely brought joy to the people that knew him and will be remembered for his cheeky smile. He was a real character of the village and he would never pass you without a friendly ‘hello’ and smile on his face, you always found him the same way. He would also be in possession of his trade mark blue carrier bag, he fondly called his Filofax.”

Davie set up the Rangers Supporters bus in Mid Calder and one of the many highlights in his colourful life was touring around the world in his trusted camper van following the Tartan Army with his best friends.

And in 2014, Mid Calder awarded Davie with Citizen of the Year Award. His daughter said all his family were so proud of him for this achievement, with Davie particularly proud of it. This meant a lot to him.

Davie had to retire in September 2015 due to different health conditions, but through his retirement he got to spend quality time his two grandkids, watching his two favourite teams Rangers and Manchester United, attending the local speedway most Friday nights, attending the local gym once a week and getting out and meeting new friends.

Cherylanne added: “Each and every one of you will have your own personal memories of the ‘Cool Yule’ to cherish. He was a gentleman to the end and will be sorely missed.”