CADDONFOOT Church was packed last Wednesday for the funeral service of Michael Brydon, whose death was mourned by so many from across the Borders and beyond.
Mike was a hugely-popular member of the Clovenfords and Caddonfoot communities – and other parts of the country – and it was a measure of that popularity that so many turned up for the service conducted by the Reverend Morag Dawson, supported by his
son-in-law, Andrew, and Stuart, a friend from Strichen.
Both paid tribute to Mike's contribution and service to life – and he was described by Mrs Dawson as "a good man and a good friend to many". She also said he was a man who was a devoted husband to Effie and a wonderful father to Neil and Morag.
Mike put himself to the full in all the organisations with which he was associated, among them rugby, Probus, genealogy and Caddonfoot Church.Mike was a regular at Gala rugby games and an attendee at the club's lunch clubs, the Old Gala Club and he enjoyed singing.
He never took anything lightly and was committed in all his interests.
"When Mike took something on, there were no half-measures – he gave of his time and effort without holding back," said Mrs Dawson.
Mike moved around the country, Strichen and Broughty Ferry to name two locations, before he and Fay, also known as Effie, returned to his roots in Clovenfords.
He was a member of the Brydon dairy company before becoming an apprentice at Ferranti, and when he married Fay 50 years ago, he was with the South of Scotland Electricity Board.
Mike was a passionate genealogist, keen member of the Old Gala Club and Family History Society, in which he also held the position of president as well as being chairman of the Galashiels Probus Club and the Hydro Electric Society.
As a regular churchgoer, Mike was a member of the congregational board and choir at Broughty Ferry, installed as an elder at Strichen, and served as an elder and clerk of the board at Caddonfoot.
"We give thanks for his commitment to God over the years, a service that was an important part of his life," added Mrs Dawson.
The service was followed by interment in Caddonfoot churchyard – and the esteem in which Mike was held was epitomised in the retiring collection of more than £1,000 for the Borders Macmillan Nurses.
Sympathy goes out to Fay and members of the family at this sad time.
– A. I.
