Angus Stewart

Soon after losing Malcolm Wood, one of our long-standing committee members, we heard that our Membership Secretary, Angus Stewart, passed away on 31 January. His health had declined rapidly towards the end of 2024, but he remained at the helm of membership matters as long as he could.

In the January 2006 edition of FNE a page of "Pen Pictures" of FoFNL Committee members said of Angus:

Angus has had a passion for railways all his life with a special interest in freight. He has watched and photographed the changes in the railway scene for many years. Since retiring from his employment with the gas industry he has taken many holidays at home and abroad pursuing his hobby. He is also a keen railway modeller and is at present the secretary of Glenrothes Model Railway Club helping to organise their annual show in May each year and also attending other shows with layouts. His special modelling interest is German Railways.

I've received many comments from people who knew Angus, often for a very long time.

Ron Stevenson wrote "I was Treasurer to FoFNL for several years just after the turn of the century and thus got to know him well. A most knowledgable man he was, particularly on railway goods matters and an affable, straightforward, honest and comradely man. He and his redoubtable wife Janice were as fine a couple as you could ever hope to meet."

Simon Bush, FoFNL member, commented that 24 years in supporting the society will be a wonderful legacy for his life and the Far North Line.

I had a long conversation with Arran Aird, a long-standing friend of Angus. They had known each other for several decades and had shared a special interest in rail freight. This often involved expeditions to witness events of significance for freight, such as seeing the inaugural train using the reopened sidings at Kyle of Lochalsh. They were both members of the St Andrews Railway & Transport Society for over 30 years.

Arran talked about Angus' history, from choosing to join the Army, rather than being called up for National Service, continuing with the Territorials after leaving while working for the Gas Board, to his family life and dedication to railways real and modelled.

Angus' wife Janice, who died in 2021, was also involved in FoFNL, having been treasurer in 2007/8. They had two sons, Duncan and Gregor and kept Boxer dogs for many years. Angus and Janice had three grandchildren: Carol, Kyle and Chloe, and a great grandchild, Brodie, was born last year.

We will remember Angus as a steadfast committee member and membership secretary who, in line with his army history, always wanted things done properly.