Bob: a Langholm luminary

BOB, or Bobby as he’s known by his family, was born in Wigtownshire in 1951.

He grew up in Glen Luce and New Luce and, after attending Stranraer High School, went to Glasgow University to study mathematics in 1969.

After graduation, he trained as a maths teacher at Jordanhill College, which is where he met Nancy who was a cousin of one of his university friends.

They were soon married and in July 1974 they moved to Langholm and were blessed with the birth of Andrew in 1974 and Rosemary in 1976.

Bobby taught at Langholm Academy for 10 years before moving to Annan Academy where he was principal teacher of mathematics for 23 years.

He and Nancy retired in 2007 and they’ve been lucky to spend many very happy years together, dedicating their time to their family, pastimes, hobbies and travelling.

Bobby loved music and theatre from a young age and this was his true passion.

He was an avid theatre-goer as well as being a contributing musician, actor and director.

Highlights included starring roles in My Fair Lady and Oliver! in Langholm; appearing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and, most recently, as director of numerous plays and musicals for Langholm Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society.

He was also a member of Langholm Flute Band and an accomplished singer and speaker at events and concerts. He did an extremely good Rev I M Jolly. Bobby’s children are grateful to him for making music and theatre part of their lives from a young age, with trips to Edinburgh or Glasgow to see musicals and the ballet and opportunities to raid his record collection, prompting their love of the The Beatles and Elton John.

Art was another of Bob’s passions. Once he retired, he took up painting and enjoyed being part of the art club in Langholm.

He was an extremely talented painter and this was something he enjoyed right up until the end.

Most recently, his family and friends enjoyed his posts of a painting a day on Facebook during lockdown.

Bobby learned to play bridge at university and this was a pastime he rekindled during his retirement, playing at Carlisle, Annan and Langholm bridge clubs.

Card games were a big part of McLure family life and Nancy, Andrew and Rosemary have many happy memories of playing cards on camping holidays.

Bobby loved the outdoors and spent many happy hours in the garden and at his and Nancy’s allotment.

He loved hill-walking and enjoyed many holidays with the Carlisle Walkers. Andrew and Rosemary remember being cajoled into many wet and long walks in the Lake District during their youth.

Bob was very community-minded and he enjoyed being involved with the Buccleuch Centre in Langholm.

He attended a wide range of concerts and events and became chairman of the management committee for three years.

He had a strong faith and was an active member of Langholm Parish Church as an elder and choir member as well as being part of the worship team.

Nancy, Andrew and Rosemary have received so many cards and messages in recent days and they have all commented on Bob’s kindness, great friendship and that, above all, he was a true gentleman.

Bob had a multitude of friends, young and old, near and far. He will be much missed.

Last but not least, Bobby was a family man. He was a wonderful husband to Nancy, an amazing dad to Andrew and Rosemary and a very special grandpa to Tom and Rachel. They will all miss him very much.