Money in memory of Joe goes to event

The widow of a proud Gordon Highlander has handed thousands of pounds raised in his memory towards this year’s VC Commemoration.

Joe Jappy requested that any money collected at his funeral be handed to the association to help mark the contribution of its war heroes.

The Buckie man served in the division for 22 years from the age of 15 and was the chairman of the Buckie Funders – which supports the Gordon Highlanders.

The Army bagpiper served in Singapore and Germany and did several tours of Northern Ireland during his service.

The father-of-five died on December 21 aged 59 following a battle with cancer.

At his funeral, which was attended by about 100 comrades from his beloved regiment, £2,900 was donated for the commemoration committee.

Yesterday his widow Alma said Mr Jappy viewed his fellow Gordon Highlanders as “his family” and received a standing ovation as she handed over the cheque.

Mrs Jappy said: “I am really proud of the amount that was raised at the service, and I am really proud to hand over that money.

“That was his life, he was in it (the Gordon Highlanders) for 22 years. They have really taken me in, the support that they have given me has been really, really good.”

Friend of Mr Jappy’s and secretary of the Buckie Funders, Mike Kelbie, said: “People use the term legend loosely. To me he was one of these.

“When Joe passed away it was a terrible, terrible blow to the Buckie Funders. Joe was a staunch Gordon Highlander. He always said he hated using the word ex-Gordon Highlander. A Gordon Highlander he was.”

Mrs Jappy has now taken on the role of chairwoman of the Buckie Funders, who are continuing to fundraise for the VC Commemoration.

The commemoration will honour Private George Imlach McIntosh of the Gordon Highlanders who won a VC for bravery during the Battle of the Somme in 1917.

Mr McIntosh also fought in World War II. He died in 1968 aged 71.

“I am really proud of amount that was raised at the service”