Death of former Ayr legion chairman

Aug 8 2008

A RESPECTED former chairman of the Ayr branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland has died aged 84.

Bobby Cumming was a familiar sight in dress uniform at annual Remembrance and Armistice Day services.

He himself saw active service in Burma with the Cameron Highlanders, fighting alongside the Gurkhas, whom he held in the highest esteem.

Bobby became a Company Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Second Class, the highest rank possible for a non-commissioned officer.

After the war, Bobby set up business for himself in Ayr as a slater and chimney sweep. He was also a retained fireman for a number of years.

He enjoyed football, and was manager of the Plumbers and Slaters team in the popular Ayr Works League.

Bobby went on to be goalkeeper in a talented Minishant Amateurs team.

And he was the trainer of the Crosshill Thistle team who won the Scottish Amateur Cup in 1959.

He later returned to Minishant, and was trainer when the club won the West of Scotland Cup in 1966.

Bobby lost a leg as a result of an accident, but remained a very active person.

And he was the lollipop man at Heathfield Primary, into his late 70s.

Ayr Auld Kirk minister Rev David Gemmell took time out of his holiday to conduct great grandfather Bobby’s funeral service.