John McCreath in naval uniform with his brother Robert outside Battlefield West Church, Ledard Road, c.1941.

John served in the navy during the War – in MTBs in the North Sea.  His civilian working life was with the Clyde Navigation Trust (later the Clydeport authority) where he was a Marketing Manager. Always the ‘life and soul of the party’, John was recognised both as an all-round sportsman and as a ‘stylish’ ballroom dancer.  He married twice – first to Jane (Jean) McLeod Turner (on 4 June 1949) and then, following Jean’s early death, to Mary Sheila Allan (5 February 1972). 

John and Jean lived first in Partick and latterly in Milngavie.  They were both interested in children, perhaps because they had none of their own.  In the early 50s, a time of relative austerity, John  could be counted upon to provide surprises – “Lucks!”, as he announced them in his characteristic chortle.  Note pads and pencils, courtesy of the Clyde Trust were always particularly valued.  On one occasion, while recovering from a bout of illness, I was the recipient of a variety pack of individual Schweppes’ mineral waters and a Letts Schoolboy’s Diary.  On not infrequent family visits to their second Partick home in Fairlie Park Avenue,  the prize was the collection of ‘free gifts’ which had begun to make their appearance in breakfast cereal packets. My brother Roderick and myself were the envy of the district. Our collection of miniature racing cars and ships was the envy of our contemporaries. Jean’s premature death was mourned by young and old alike.

Right to left: John McCreath, his wife, Jean; my mother and father at a Clyde Navigation Trust dance.

John was also an accomplished Bridge player and it was through his Bridge circle that he met Sheila.  His second marriage and inheritance of a ‘ready-made family’ was for him a source of pride and joy.