Rev Tom Davidson Kelly

Minister and former Army chaplain

graduating MA in 1971 and BD in 1974. He was licensed by the presbytery of Edinburgh in 1974, and served as assistant in Dundee St Mary’s, during which time he was ordained by the presbytery of Dundee.

He was inducted to the charge of Kilberry linked with Tarbert in 1976. It was there he met and fell in love with Kim McArthur, a member of his congregation. They were married in February 1980 and together they ministered to the congregation until Mr Davidson Kelly was appointed by the Army in 1982.

At the memorial service in Govan Old Parish Church in Glasgow, his commanding officer, Sir Alister Irwin, recalled: “His Sandhurst report said that he was weak on physical ability, average in appearance and military knowledge and good in intelligence, practical ability, powers of expression, zeal and energy, robustness and confidence. Quite a cocktail!”

His course instructor wrote: “The Reverend Davidson Kelly is a very likeable and forthright man,” and added: “He should make an excellent soldiers’ chaplain ... His military knowledge, skills and fitness are only average, but his efforts have been worthy of praise.”

Mr Davidson Kelly was posted to the Black Watch based in West Germany. Later he went with the battalion on a five-month unaccompanied tour of duty in West Belfast and then to Edinburgh. Just as the battalion was preparing to move to West Berlin, Mr Davidson Kelly was posted to the Scots Guards. In 1989 he returned to civilian life although he remained as chaplain to the Territorial Army in Perth and then to the Army personnel centre in Glasgow.

On June 22, 1989, Mr Davidson Kelly was inducted to Govan Old: a place of ancient worship. As well as caring for the congregation he wrote about Govan Old’s history and fabric.

Unfortunately, Mr Davidson Kelly’s health forced him to retire from the parish ministry in 2002.

Mr Davidson Kelly’s interest in architecture was not restricted to Govan. He travelled from Aberdeen to South Africa researching and writing and notwithstanding his ill health he continued researching and planning books right up to his death in Ayr Hospice.

Mr Davidson Kelly will be remembered as one of life’s great characters: from his staff and “onion seller’s” beret to his impossible time-keeping which did improve with the discipline of the army, as well as for his love of music and his adoration of dogs.

Above all he was a man of deep faith who served the church with integrity and love. He was a wonderful, trustworthy friend and a loving, caring husband and father to Neil, Campbell, Annie and the extended family. Telephone 0141-302 6000 or by e-mail at announcements@heraldandtimes.co.uk