CHARLES MOORE, AUGUST 11, 1934 - MARCH 9, 2022
Charles Moore: August 11, 1934 – March 9, 2022
Well-known in community and musical circles around Fort William, Charlie Moore hailed from Dennistoun.
It was around 1860 that his great-grand uncle, also called Charles and then aged just 12, was sent to Glasgow from Donegal to be educated and other members of the family followed, becoming butchers at the Glasgow Meat Market, its entrance being named Moore Street.
Three generations later, Charlie was born to Robert Moore and Hannah Eddington. While father butchered, mother had a haberdasher’s shop.
With younger brothers Brian and John, Charlie attended Alexandra Parade primary and Whitehill secondary schools, at the same time as actors Dorothy Paul and Bill Paterson.
During wartime, Charlie evacuated to Scone, where one night he saw the glow from the Clydebank Blitz, something never forgotten.
Although early musical talent was evident, such a career would have been challenging in Dennistoun.
Charlie’s forte was accounting and he started with Lairds, box-makers, in Bridgeton.
National Service with the RAF in Malta followed, a time he clearly enjoyed. For someone with financial acumen, there were opportunities such as running the Camp Theatre. Friends from schooldays, Charlie married Sara Queen in 1957, living in Dennistoun, Johnstone and Larkhall.
His time with ladies’ clothing manufacturer Kayser Bondor in Port Glasgow provided amusing anecdotes, where separating fighting women was part of the job.
Inheriting a love of music from his mother, Charlie, a talented pianist, joined Glasgow Philharmonic Choir and the Scottish National Orchestra Chorus.
Sara and Charlie’s interests shaped daughters Gillian, Carol and Dorothy forging careers in music, art and the pastoral side of the church.
Charlie and family came to Fort William in 1976 but his appointment with Milton Hotels proved short and he bought and ran his fleet of taxis for a time.
Kilmallie Singers were grateful when this rock-solid tenor joined but after a few years he left for Aberdeen and worked for University Press where, with many others, he lost his pension after AUP became part of Robert Maxwell’s empire.
Charlie returned to marry Heather Dick, principal teacher of music at Lochaber High School, in time developing Abrach House as a welcoming guest house, often filled by music with friends.
Charlie always emphasised he had five daughters, embracing Heather’s daughters Hazel and Carol as his own.
Charlie made it clear to family he wanted to remain in this caring community and they are grateful for the support and care received at Moss Park.
Charlie was proud of his family and any sums he gave the grandchildren had the caveat that a percentage had to be spent in Fort William High Street.
This sociable gentleman will be remembered for being mannerly, enhancing any gathering with music, well-known for ‘Ae Fond Kiss’ and ‘My Love is like a Red, Red Rose’.
Following a warm service by the Reverend Morag Muirhead in which family members and the Kilmallie Singers participated, Charlie was laid to rest in Glen Nevis, with his pallbearers drawn from his interests in Burns, Kilmallie Singers, golf and Rotary.
Charlie is survived by daughters Gillian, Carol and Dorothy, stepdaughters Hazel and Carol, his grandchildren and friends.