Friends mourn Herbert Leggate

Jul 3 2008 by Lesley Brown, Hamilton Advertiser

POPULAR Stonehouse character Herbert Barclay Leggate has died aged 72.

Community stalwart Mr Leggate passed away at home recently following a long illness.

Born on April 5, 1936, he was brought up in Strathaven and educated at Strathaven Academy.

As a young man, Mr Leggate developed many talents through his involvement with Strathaven Male Voice Choir, the Cadets and the pipe band.

He was an apprentice with Fleming the joiner in Strathaven and completed his National Service in Wales before moving to Stonehouse with wife Helen (71), in 1959.

Mr Leggate then began work with Wilson’s of Stonehouse, also as a joiner.

He was later employed as a foreman with Barratt Builders and, before retiring, as an inspector with South Lanarkshire Council water board.

Mr Leggate was part of a variety of community groups in Stonehouse, including Senior Citizens and Old Folk’s Welfare Committee, to which he was appointed president in 2002.

Committed to the Masonic Lodge, Mr Leggate rose to the position of Master and was also past Principal in the Royal Arch chapter and past Patron of the Eastern Star.

A story-teller, poet and singer, Herbert was remembered at last week’s funeral service as a natural entertainer and a man of words.

After retiring, he became a prominent member of the bowling club’s senior section, and took up golf with close friend Mason Stewart, secretary of the welfare committee.

Mr Stewart, who knew Herbert for 52 years, said: “Herbert had a very outgoing character and was the sort of person who had a word for everyone and thought nothing of giving up his own time for others.

"He made friends very easily and always hung on to friendships too. He was a very active member of the community and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”

Talking about Mr Leggate’s funeral, which was held on June 25 in Stonehouse Congregational United Reformed Church, Mr Stewart said: “It was a beautiful service. Everyone commented on it, it was such a great send-off.”

Rev Kathryn Smith Stewart conducted the packed service, which brought together friends and family from across the UK to pay tribute to Herbert’s life.

As well as wife Helen, Mr Leggate is survived by son Gordon (46), a civil servant, and two grandchildren.

Mrs Leggate, who was married to Herbert for 49 years, said: “I would just like to thank everybody for their attendance at the church last week, and Rev Kathryn Smith Stewart for her lovely service - it was all quite overwhelming.”