It is with deep regret and much sadness that I inform you that David died on Saturday, 13th May, 2023. David’s funeral will be held on Wednesday, 7th June at 11.00am, in St Serf’s Parish Church, Ballingry and thereafter to Ballingry Cemetery at 12 noon.
David joined the Benarty Heritage Preservation Group (BHPG) in October, 2012 as a Military Researcher and, as stated in “The Courier & Advertiser” 30th August, 2014, he was responsible for researching and discovering names of 226 local soldiers from the
Benarty, Glencraig, Crosshill and Ballingry areas who served in the Great War, and having these names inscribed on the local War Memorial, with co-operation of the Co-operative Funeral Services local branch.
In September, 2014 David organised an exhibition of WW1 material held in the Benarty Centre. The Lord Provost of Fife opened this event which included WW1 songs sung by children from two local schools with representatives of SSAFA and Black Watch Association. David compiled a book entitled “Benarty Fallen” for WW1 and WW2.
Subsequently, David continued his research and found another 7 names of Benarty servicemen who were killed in the line of duty and their names were added to the local Memorial in 2017, courtesy of the Community Council. A memorial board is also on display in the Benarty Centre. On 11th November, 2018 the Benarty War Memorial was rededicated by local Clergy.
Another project included David’s research and a presentation entitled “The Stewart Family” highlighting a record of the local Stewart family of Lochore, who had 9 sons and one son-in-law who fought and survived during WW1.
David also represented BHPG from time to time at the annual Remembrance Service. David was made an Honorary Member of the Benarty Heritage Preservation Group and always kept an interest in their work. He will be very much missed.”
