Tribute paid to proud citizen of Motherwell that so many of our readers will have known

Bobby Liddell who was a former Motherwell and District Rotary Club Citizen of the Year died in his sleep on Friday, March 5.

He was 82.

The former Dalziel High School pupil who became a technical teacher there before going on to become a headteacher in Coatbridge

had two daughters, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He had originally trained to be a draughtsman at Colvilles but an increasing interest in education led him to Jordanhill teaching college.

The church elder who was an honourary member of Dalziel's rugby club had celebrated his Diamond wedding to his beloved wife Effie

His brother Peter explained: “Although Bobby and Effie moved to Doune to follow daughter, Audrey, several years ago, Motherwell remained the centre of his affections and loyalties.

"His love for rugby led to his taking a number of teams at Dalziel and becoming a prominent and Honorary Member of Dalziel High School Former Pupils Rugby Club.

"His do-it-yourself skills were used to the full in the annual Drama Festival and Garden Fete, which were a major feature of summer activities at Dalziel.

"Bobby became Lieutenant-in-Charge of the Lifeboys (Junior Section) and then Captain of the Boys’ Brigade attached to St.Mary’s Parish Church in the town.

"His organisational skills and his willingness to take responsibility led to him being President of the Battalion for two terms and being awarded Citizen of the Year by Motherwell and District Rotary in 1988, an accolade of which he was very proud.

“In St Mary’s he participated actively in the affairs of the church as an elder, member of the Men’s Fellowship and later as property convener.

"However, central to his life was his family: his wife, his daughters, Lorna and Audrey, their husbands, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Nothing gave him greater pleasure than family get-togethers and holidays. He was devoted to Effie and his love and care for her during her recent ill health was exemplary.”