ONE of Maybole’s best-known businessmen died recently after a period of illness. "Donald Henderson was a Minnieboler through and through", said Rev Dave Whiteman last week at the funeral service. He continued, "When paying tribute to him, it is difficult to know where to start, because he lived such a full and interesting life." Donald attended Cairn Primary and Carrick Academy before going to Glasgow Art School for a year, and then finished his education at Ayr Academy. He was a very talented artist, and made good use of this skill in his business.

When the Second World War broke out, Donald joined the local Home Guard who, just like Dad’s Army, really did parade with broom shafts. He joined the Royal Air Force and served as an engineer in Palestine and Basra, a name much in the news recently. When he returned to Scotland, he was stationed at Errol Aerodrome in Perthshire and at a dance in Longforgan, he met Maimie who was serving in the Land Army. Soon after, he was posted to Turnberry, married Maimie and set up home back in Maybole. His father had businesses in the town, which Donald took over and developed. He teamed up with Tom Dalling and they worked together for a number of years.

He was a man of great integrity in business and his private life, putting trustworthiness before profit. He was a keen golfer, and was one of four honorary members of Turnberry Golf Club along with Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus, and in his younger days, he was a good swimmer and a member of Maybole Swimming Club. He was a member of Carrick Speakers Club, a member of Garpin Fishing Club, loved visiting museums, and holidaying abroad. He enjoyed his art and was an accomplished photographer whose postcards were famous around the world. Donald was very interested in his home town of Maybole, where he did a lot of behind-the-scenes work. He was keen to help councillors encourage new industry to set up, being instrumental in bringing Clyde Gravure (Wace Clyde) to the town.

He was also session clerk at Cargill-Kincraig Church, and clerk to the board at the West Church, serving his church faithfully for many years. If he had any spare time, he liked nothing better that spending time at his caravan at Croy shore. He was a modest man who never liked a fuss, and there was no pretence about him. He was very proud of his family, and liked to encourage others and was very willing to help them. The last eighteen months were difficult for Donald and his family, but his determination kept him going despite his illness. A great family man, he is survived by his wife Maimie, daughter Dorothy, son Crawford, and his five grandchildren. (From the Ayrshire Post, 18th April 2003)