Tributes paid to passing of 'Mayne man' Gordon
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TRIBUTES have been paid to a local stalwart of the coach industry in Scotland on his sad passing.
Gordon Mayne, who was the third generation of the family involved with Mayne's Coaches of Buckie, passed away very suddenly at his home in the town on Wednesday, July 29. He was 67.
Founded by his grandad Jimmy Mayne in 1947, Gordon first of all trained as a welder at the shipyard in Buckie before joining the family firm. He was to take a firm grip of the company after his father, Donnie, suddenly passed away in 1982.
Gordon's son Kevin, who is a director at Mayne's and a leading figure in the coach industry in general, hailed his dad's immeasurable contribution to the business, which has remained an important local employer for decades.
"Dad built and steered the firm’s growth over decades to be the company it is today," he said.
"He continued with the policy of regularly buying new vehicles to match customer demands and over the next few years expanded the fleet even further. The most unusual purchase he made was a vintage Duple bodied Bedford OB coach identical to the first vehicle purchased in 1947 and still with the company today.
"Dad loved the coach industry, he was very passionate and knowledgeable about coaching and deeply involved with local coach associations NEPCOA and UK, CPT (BCC) and very proud to become members of The Guild of British Coach Operators. He loved trade events and getting together with his 'coach family' at wider industry events, shows and award evenings.
"The company’s awards over the last 20 plus years as Mayne's continued to fly the flag for Scotland at such events made him very proud, whilst continuing to keep his feet on the ground and 'just a driver' to many a passenger on day trips and tours.
"Dad's passion for the company came with the saying, never ask someone to do something you 'canna do yerself'. This very true, first in last out on many a day seven days a week, the Mayne man was the drive and heart of the company."
Both Kevin and brother David have continued the family tradition of joining the business as the fourth generation to take on This continuity, Kevin said, ensured that the firm were "sewn into the fabric of the local community". Mayne's mantle, with a fifth generation on the up.
He continued: "Mayne's coaches had set a standard which was envied by many within the coach industry, these standards reflect the hard work and dedication of all involved in the company since it began.
"The company has always been a family concern and was driven through the last five decades with dad, our late mum Sandra (who passed away in 2011) and myself and David who continue to deliver the family ethos of professional service and impeccable presentation and customer service a name recognised across the UK coach industry."
The year of 1992 was to be a pivotal one in the development of Mayne's Coaches when, boasting a fleet of 20 coaches, it became apparent that the Cluny Lane premises that served as their base were totally inadequate. Around this time a move to a new depot and yard on the Marchmont Industrial Estate took place to where the company are based today.
Although remaining a privately-owned family run business the company had over the last 73 years, been transformed from a one vehicle business to a modern fleet of 45 coaches, this in turn has generated employment for over 60 members of staff. Given the increased dependence of the motor car and the general decline in bus usage the achievement is more remarkable,
While Mayne's have been the reason behind many a happy holiday the family themselves did not have the luxury of many breaks during the growth of the business. Most family holidays involved Gordon driving a coach tour to UK seaside resorts Blackpool and Scarborough.
The family group often found that they would come home on a new coach specifically built for the family company, just collected the day before a most exciting time for the boys as they grew up with a huge insight to the industry and company. Something Gordon and the boys continued to enjoy doing was factory trips across Europe to see and design the next fleet additions as they made way across the factory floors.
Life was not all about coaches, though, for Gordon, who became a major sponsor for his beloved Buckie Thistle and was a welcome member of the crowd on the occasions his work allowed him to pay a visit to Victoria Park on match day.
Jags president Garry Farquhar said: "We're all deeply saddened to hear of Gordon's sudden passing, which came as a huge shock.
"On behalf of Buckie Thistle FC I'd like to express my condolences to the Mayne family and the thoughts of all of us here at the club are with them at this saddest of times.
"Gordon and indeed the whole family like to get to a game as often as their commitments allowed. The club are very grateful for his support over the years, including as a sponsor.
"He'll be sorely missed."
Gordon was a much-loved dad to both David and Kevin, father-in-law to Judith and Helen, proud and loving granda of Meghan, Holly, Rebecca, Cerys and Ellen, great granda of Aria and Arlo and a loving son of Anna and late father Donnie, brother of Audrey.
He was also a dear uncle, great uncle and friend of many and true 'coachman. Due to Covid-19 restrictions Gordon's funeral will be private. Further information regarding the service and a slow procession to the cemetery will be posted on the company’s Facebook page. Anyone wishing to pay respects will be welcome and the route will be announced in the next few days.
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