Hugh McClelland Mundell 1942 - 2011

St Oswald’s Church in Maybole was packed recently for the funeral of Hugh Mundell with many mourners having to stand.

The service was led by Rev Dr Ian Meredith and Hugh’s son Stewart delivered the eulogy to his father saying, “It’s difficult trying to condense 69 years of life into a few words and lines on a sheet of paper, especially when you have led a life as interesting and varied like my dad did.

Hugh was very well-known in Maybole and had been involved in the Scouting movement from an early age. Stewart continued, “Butcher’s boy, electrician, policeman, judo instructor, Royal Marine Commando, member of the Special Forces and Right Worshipful Master are just a few of the roles he did in his lifetime.

“Jock, Hugh, Hughie, Shug are just some of the names he’s been called over the years. “Son, brother, brother-in-law, husband, father, father-in-law, granddad, great granddad, uncle, cousin are some of the roles he’s played in people’s lives, but to everyone here it will always be as a friend.”

Stewart went on to say that his dad was possibly the most politically incorrect man he ever knew and recounted a few humorous and affectionate anecdotes which had the congregation chuckling as he captured the essence of Hugh’s character. “A spade was a spade to him and nothing you said or did would ever change his view. Nothing was too much for him. No mountain too big to climb and no river too deep to swim and if for any reason someone else was going to attempt to climb that mountain then he would move heaven and earth to help them in any way he possibly could.”

He spoke of Hugh’s love for his family and his pride in his son and daughter. “When my sister received her degree recently he was so proud that one of his had achieved a level of education that he had always wanted for us. I thought his heart would burst with pride every time he looked at her. He was incredibly proud when I joined the Marines.”

Stewart continued, “He was incredibly devoted to his wife Ruth; they married in 1967 in Lancashire and they lived first in a police house and then when my dad left the force in their own place in Eglinton Avenue.

“He was in the Royal Marine Reserve in Merseyside and during his final Commando Test walked all the skin of his feet. He never stopped though and refused to give up and did the last few miles with blood pouring out the sides of his boots. A true example of the Commando Spirit and an example of his get up and go attitude to life as a whole.

“He also served in the Special Boat Service which is the elite of the UK Special Forces and was typically reserved and never boasted about this achievement.

“In 1978 he decided that he wanted to move back to Scotland and up the road we all came.” Hugh worked at Girvan’s in Ayr and then finally at Clyde Gravure in Maybole, where he made some good and lasting friendships.

Stewart added, “When the factory closed its doors for the last time he committed his time to his many roles in Lodge St John’s No 11 including being Right Worshipful Master twice.

“He loved his wife, children, grandchildren and daughter-in-law with a degree of devotion that was incredible to behold. Truly, being in his company was like being wrapped in a strong pair of arms that felt like they could protect you from the world and all its troubles. If you were ever down he was the one that would pick you up but if you crossed him then you faced his wrath and he could put you down just as quick, and, trust me, as a teenager I faced it frequently and lost every time

“He has been the guide for not only me in my life, but also many of my Forces and civilian friends and that is shown by all of you who are here today. He was like an adopted dad to so many of you and the great thing about him, he was a mate. Whenever I struggled, sweated or have wanted to give up, I felt his shadow on my shoulder urging me on.

“Today is not a remembrance of our dad’s death. It is a celebration of Hugh Mundell’s life. “Wherever you are Dad, we miss you, we love you, we will always love you. “God Speed.” Hugh will be sadly missed by all who knew him and their condolences go to Ruth, Heather, Stewart and all the family.