THE Cardenden area lost a very committed family and community man with the death of Wullie Braid at Barrogil Care Home, in Cluny.

Having started his working life in mining, Wullie became a highly successful businessman and was always ready help with community activities and initiatives.

Born and brought up in Benarty Wullie went on to attend Crosshill Primary and Ballingry Secondary schools.

His long time friend, Lochgelly and Cardenden undertaker John Gilfillan, paid this tribute to Wullie at his funeral: "He was simply a generous and warm hearted man who liked to look after the company, he felt privileged to have had so many friends and he was the leader of the pack.

"His sense of humour stood out the most, the one-liners, the jokes, the laughs and like Margo he liked to entertain the company with the odd song, he always did things his way, never one for following the leader.

He also had an acute sharpness of mind and an incredible desire to succeed. There are many examples of Wullie’s kindness to others, by offering gainful employment. But he was no push over either, no one could pull the wool over Wullie’s eyes; he was a great judge of people, separating the genuine from the slackers.

"Leaving the mines, the young Wullie Braid trained to become an electrician, before heading to London for a period. The business side of Wullie saw him opening a small electrical shop in Crosshill, but of course he will be remembered most for establishing Fife Fabrications, in Glenrothes, in 1972, Wullie was 35 years-old with a strong determination to succeed, laying the foundations of this advanced manufacturer of precision metal work, which remains a flourishing business today.

"He met his first wife Betty at the age of 19 and married in 1959, when he was 22. Soon becoming parents when two years later Mary blessed their lives, followed by Bridget in 1963, and another two years, Ann completed the family in 1965.

"It was during these years Wullie became a popular and respected young man, sociable and funny who liked a wee flutter on the horses. He proved to have a fine singing voice, a talent he would put to good use in later years when entertaining the old folk.

"In time Wullie and Betty would go separate ways, while Wullie ploughed much of his time and energies into his working life, and in 1988 he met Margo. It all started for Wullie and Margo in Bowhill War Memorial Club, this popular miners’ social club in the heart of the community which has launched many a happy marriage. Love blossomed and soon they became man and wife. A few years later Wullie came along with much of his dad’s colourful character, and thereafter it became 32 years of holidays, sing songs, friendships, special birthdays, graduations, weddings and grandchildren".

John added: "He and Margo settled into their very impressive, almost stately home at the top of Dundonald, but a home that suited Wullie with his slick Jaguar parked outside, he worked hard for these luxuries. It is the home where he spent the rest of his life with Margo, where he hosted many parties. Wullie was always on form, he just loved these occasions, surrounded by his family and friends.

"And of course their second heaven, Benidorm, where they were as popular a couple there as they were at home and where Wullie loved to listen to Margo singing and Margo loved to listen to Wullie singing, their shared passion.

"It seemed that Wullie would go for on eternity defying the gradual process of age, leading a relatively healthy life, until three years ago when heart issues led to the development of dementia. However, such was Wullie’s mental strength; he was able to almost mask this unwanted intrusion into his natural existence. But it was there, becoming more identifiable through the passage of time.

"He remained a loving family man, always there for his family, a husband, dad and di who will be sadly missed. Wullie’s name will always be synonymous with Dundonald, Glencraig and Ballingry for evermore, remembered as a man who blessed us all with his unique personality, his humanity and affection for all those who featured in his life and he will never be forgotten.

"Our thoughts are also with Mary, Bridget, Ann, Laura, Graeme and Wullie, all looking up to their dad with the greatest of love and admiration. Wullie was also a dearly loved di to David, Lulu, Caitlin, Ava Grace, Milla and Ella, to the younger ones, it was old di, who I am sure, will be thinking of their di at this moment in time."