My memories of Gordon go back to when I was little more than a toddler.  We lived next door to the Peters family ‘Uncle David’, ‘Auntie Denny’, David James and Gordon, in Deeside Terrace, and they were marvellous neighbours - more like extended family.

Gordon was 16 years older than me and I adored him as a young child. In his late teens, like his father, he enjoyed tinkering with his car.  I’d toddle over to ‘help’, probably the last thing a teenager needed, but he always welcomed me, gave me attention and had endless patience. 

In secondary school Gordon began learning to play the trumpet and I’d marvel when I heard him through the wall practising, and vowed than when I was his age I’d do the same. As he progressed through university sadly his trumpet fell silent, but I couldn’t wait to tell him,  when I reached Primary 6, that I’d been offered lessons at school if I could get an instrument.  Low and behold his Mum and Dad called me through one day to say that he’d said I could have his! Wow! If only he knew what an impact on my life that kind gesture would have. I became inseparable from my (his) trumpet and went on to study music at University! 

I have only learned now in December 2017 of Gordon’s sad death. He was such a gentle, unassuming and intelligent man.  It was an honour to have known him and he is held in my memory with the greatest respect.

Sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family.  

Helga Mellor