School mourns lollipop man

Colin Hutton • Published 13 Jan 2010 09:33

TRIBUTE has been paid to a much-loved lollipop man who passed away suddenly.

Staff at Knoxland Primary were left stunned when they found out that Hughie McRae, who was 67-years-old, died just a few days before Christmas.

Many of his friends from the Dumbarton East school turned out for his funeral at Dumbarton Cemetery on Friday to pay their final respects to the "wonderful man" who helped pupils cross the road safely for almost a quarter of a century.

Headteacher Avril Davie, who worked alongside Hughie throughout his 23-years dedicated service, was left saddened by the news.

She told the Reporter: "Hughie was a wonderful man who was so reliable and helpful in every way.

"He knew all the children and always had a word for them all - he was very popular and everyone knew Hughie.

"All the staff were really shocked when they heard because even though he had retired he still came into the school every day to drop off the papers for the clerical staff.

"He will be sorely missed in the area and at the school because he was like a part of the school family."

Hughie - who was a much loved brother, uncle and great uncle - retired in October 2007 after turning 65.

The Silverton man had previously worked in the bottling plant at Allied Distillery for many years before being made redundant.

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This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 12 Jan 10

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