Tributes to community ‘stalwart’ Andy Mount
Beloved family man and dedicated volunteer dies aged 82
Tributes have been paid this week to a “stalwart” of West Lothian’s volunteering community.
Andy Mount died peacefully with his family around him after a long illness, on February 23 aged 82.
He was a leading light in the voluntary sector in West Lothian for over 50 years.
Andy would have been married to wife Muriel for 60 years in July this year, though they did celebrate their 60th anniversary of their engagement in September.
He was a devoted family man, supportive of all his grandchildren - all he wanted was for them to be happy in whatever they did.
Andy’s interest in football, and his commitment to ensuring that young people had the best start in life, led him to volunteer in local youth groups, including managing youth football teams, and later he also became a trustee of Youth Action Project, using his previous experience and knowledge to support YAP’s activities.
He was also an active member of the church all his life, as an elder at St Columba’s from 1973 and as a supporter of the Livingston Ecumenical Parish, and latterly a founder of the LSCC at the Lanthorn.
His interest in social justice also led to him to an involvement in Fairtrade.
His mantra was: “If you want to change things in society, we can only do so much, then it’s the powers that be that have to do it.”
He was unafraid to speak the truth to those in power if that was what was required.
Andy was able to combine his love of Fairtrade, football and children by striking up a relationship with Livingston Football team (of whom he was a season-cardcarrying supporter) and visiting schools to further the cause.
He loved speaking to the children and getting them interested – “they are our future”, he said more than once.
In 2020 Andy received a special achievement award from the Scottish Fairtrade Forum in recognition of his unstinting efforts over nearly two decades. Modest as ever, Andy refused to take credit for his work. He was also recognised as a Community Champion during Livingston’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2012.
His funeral will take place at Livingston Crematorium at 3pm on Thursday, March 16. All welcome.