Town hall hero dies just weeks after campaign success.
A COMMUNITY stalwart dedicated to numerous local groups and charities has died at the age of 86.
Dr Geoff Allan, chairman of the Kirkintilloch Town Hall Preservation Trust, passed away at his Kirkintilloch home on Saturday evening.
The former Lenzie Academy pupil, whose wife Agnes passed away around 10 years ago, is survived by son Philip, daughter Elise, and his three grandchildren Margaret, Lillian and Ruby Jane.
Dr Allan’s early medical career took him to Malaysia, where he worked as an army medical officer, before returning home to specialise in chest diseases at Ruchill and Stobhill hospitals.
He was a leading supporter of both the Save Stobhill and Save Ruchill campaigns, as well as being chairman of Kirkintilloch’s Park Centre, a member of Kirkintilloch Community Council and a counsellor for Cruse Bereavement Care.
He was awarded an MBE in 2010 for his services to the community (pictured), including leading the Kirkintilloch Town Hall campaign.
East Dunbartonshire Council recently announced it would be refurbishing the crumbling town hall – eight years after it was closed.
Son Philip, who was with his father when he died, said: “Strangely his campaigning really came to fruition after my mother died.
“He felt he could either sit in a chair and feel sorry for himself or get up and do something. Thank goodness he decided to get up and do so much.
“Kirkintilloch Town Hall and the Park Centre were the causes closest to his heart and he was elated to hear the news that the town hall was to be saved. It was almost like his work had been done.”
Dr Allan’s funeral will be held at St David’s Memorial Park Church, where he served as a senior elder, next week.
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