Don Raby. 1932-2005 Maybole paid its final respects at Masonhill Crematorium last Friday to Don Raby, a well-known member of the community who had died suddenly the previous Saturday. Don, a pioneer of Maybole’s town’s town twinning connections, was born and educated in Wakefield, Yorkshire. During his early years his interests were playing football for his local team, art and music. He did his National Service in the R.A.F. and married his childhood sweetheart, Eunice, in 1953. In the 1950s he qualified as a printer.

In 1966 his artistic talents came to the fore when he joined the printing firm of Clyde Gravure in Yorkshire. The firm re-located to Maybole in 1968 bringing with it much needed employment to the town. Don. along with Eunice and their son Stephen, also moved to Maybole at that time in order to assist in setting up the new factory. They quickly adopted Maybole as their home and became involved in the local community.

He continued to work for Clyde Gravure, later known as Wace Clyde, until his retirement in 1997. In 1976 he joined Carrick Speakers Club, now known as Carrick Sports Club, and was a founder member of their golf club. He subsequently became a committee member for many years and was the current club Treasurer. Alex Meek, the Club Convener, paid tribute to Don saying, “He was a loyal and hardworking member of this organisation not only as a committee member and treasurer but in the many other tasks he undertook on our behalf. He will be sorely missed”.

Don was also a member of Maybole Community Council for several years and was one of the original four people from Maybole who made the first twinning exploratory visit to the French town of Crosne in 1981. The following year Maybole and Crosne signed official papers forging a link which has lasted for over twenty years and in fact other twinning links have also been formed in Belgium and German. Don is survived by his wife Eunice, his son Stephen, daughter- in -law Julie and grandchildren Stephen and Bree.