The founder of an engineering firm in Arbroath has died suddenly, aged 79.
Jim Crabb died at Ninewells Hospital after heart and kidney difficulties. He was born and brought up in Annfield Street in Dundee and completed an engineering apprenticeship at the city’s TC Keay jute factory.
He conducted his national service for the RAF in the mid-1950s, working on instruments on aeroplanes, and served for a year in Malta. On his return he worked as a precision toolmaker at the Timex factory.
Mr Crabb met Wilma at the Saturday night dancing at the JM Ballroom in North Tay Street in 1957 and the couple married the following February.
They set up home in Monifieth and had four children Lynn in 1961, Fiona in 1962 and twins Jimmy and Colin in 1963.
In 1966 Mr Crabb took the position of works manager at Panmure Tool and Engineering in Arbroath and the family moved to the town.
In 1974, he established Keptie Engineering, in Abbot Street, Arbroath, with Wilma, who worked in the office.
The company, which made specialist machinery, grew to employ 16 people and moved to premises in John Street West a few years later. The couple sold the business in 1994.
In retirement, Mr Crabb enjoyed gardening, woodwork and bowling. Mr Crabb is survived by his four children, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
His funeral takes place on Friday at Arbroath West Kirk at 11am, and thereafter at the Western Ceremony, to which all family and friends are respectfully invited.