Tributes have been paid to “a true gentleman” and much loved member of the British Legion family in Dunfermline.
Alan Tyson has died at the age of 83. Janice Gray, the steward at the Dunfermline branch of the Royal British Legion (Scotland) New Row club, said Mr Tyson “was loved by everyone”, adding, “He was in the club every day apart from a Sunday when he would have a day off.”
He led the legion’s campaign against changes to the 19 bus route earlier this year, saying the premises were a lifeline for many.
“Even when the bus route changed he would get a taxi or, in the heavy snow, he’d walk through the door,” Janice added. “Never have I met such a true gentleman. He was heavily involved with Poppy Scotland and was often known as ‘the poppy man’.”
Last January decades of dedicated service to Poppyscotland brought a special accolade for Mr Tyson when he was given a President’s Award by General Sir Alistair Irwin. Last year, £22,600 was raised by his army of collectors who deliver not far short of 600 collecting tins and distribute around 90,000 poppies annually.
Lancaster-born Mr Tyson joined the army training unit for armoured cars in Durham and on completion joined the 1st Armoured Division HQ in Trieste. He was later posted to Palestine where he joined the 1st Kings Dragoon Guards. From Palestine he served in Tripoli before returning to Britain where he was stationed at Stobbs Camp.
He met Eileen, his wife of 52 years, at a dance in Hawick. After demob he went to work at Lyle and Scott and the couple had two children, Christine and Leslie.
Moving to Dunfermline, to the company’s new Rosyth factory, he transferred to the local legion, and was heavily involved with the poppy appeal there while continuing to work, first for BT, then Shell at Mossmorran and finally overseeing the cleaning operation at Hopetoun House, a job he loved.
As well as his children, he was blessed with eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren and his second family in the Dunfermline branch of the legion.
In May Janice organised an 83rd birthday party for Mr Tyson, inviting his friends to come along.
“It was standing room only a fitting tribute to a very popular man,” she said. “Alan touched the hearts of everyone and, as I have said many times, the legion isn’t just a club you become part of a family and we have lost the heart of ours.
“Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”
Poppyscotland chief executive Ian McGregor said, “Alan’s dedication to the Scottish Poppy Appeal over the years was tremendous. He was an outstanding volunteer and we are immensely grateful for his hard work and commitment in support of the veterans’ community.
“We were delighted to have had the opportunity to recognise Alan’s efforts by awarding him the President’s Award, the highest honour Poppyscotland bestows on its volunteers.
“Alan will be sadly missed by all at Poppyscotland and we extend our deepest condolences to his family.”