Popular Aberdeen butcher John Pirie, who ran his shop on Elm Street for more than four decades, has died aged 89.
The former RAF cook and ex Lawson’s of Dyce employee was known for his prize-winning haggis and had a loyal customer base within the farming community.
Aberdeen born and bred
John Leith Pirie was born on May 5 1933 to Hall Russell boiler maker Francis William Pirie and his wife Margaret, who worked in Stevenson’s Laundry.
One of four boys and two girls for the Aberdeen couple, John went to Seaton Primary School before moving on to Powis School for secondary education.
At 15 John, who lived in Seaton Gardens, left school hoping to be a joiner. However, always a driven individual, he wasn’t making progress fast enough so left when he secured an apprenticeship with Pat Philips, a butcher, based on King Street.
Lawson’s of Dyce
By 18, however, John was off to pastures new for National Service. He enlisted with the RAF and was stationed in South Africa working as a cook in the sergeants’ mess.
Although he resumed his old job on returning to Scotland, within a few months he began a new role with meat firm, Lawson’s of Dyce within the butchery department.
It was there, in around 1954, he met his future wife Elsie Sheriff from Dyce, who also worked in the factory.
After many months of teasing her whenever he saw her, it was at the Beach Ballroom for a work dinner dance that John finally approached her. A date to the cinema the following evening and they were smitten.
Canada calling
In 1956, however, their romance would span the continents after John got a job with Canada Packers.
After a year, he sent for Elsie. They were married in April 1958 in Toronto.
Despite a successful career offering good money, family illness in Scotland saw the couple return to Aberdeen in 1961.
Their first daughter Pauline was born in 1963 and Elaine came along in 1966. The growing family lived in a two room flat on Allan Street and John returned to Lawsons.
Although initially unsettled back in the north-east due to poorer pay, John’s drive and opportunistic spirit would see his family thrive.
J L Pirie A1 Meats
He bought hand in Dyce, where he built a new home and after a short stint with another butchers – which later became Farmfoods – John opened his own butcher’s shop in 1970.
“I think he saw it as a risky move but my dad was always looking for opportunities. He was incredibly hard working so if anyone could make it work it was him,” said Elaine.
The JL Pirie A1 Meats shop – located on Elm Street near the old Aberdeen Mart – was popular with local residents and farmers alike.
With the support of Elsie – who worked in the store part-time – John built the business. He would become known for having the best haggis in Aberdeen. He was also sought after for his white puddings, potted heid and pork sausages.
Elaine added: “Dad would start work at 5.30am and wouldn’t get in until 7.30pm. Six days a week for most of his 42 years in the shop. He didn’t retire until he was 82, and only then because he had to.”
Retirement
By the time John stepped back from the shop his health was beginning to decline. He loved to potter in his garden and to spend time with his grandson Gary Mitchell. However, two operations on his spine affected his mobility and in December 2020 he suffered a stroke.
“Around the same time, mum fractured her shoulder so we needed to find a care home so dad could be looked after. It became a really sad and difficult time for the family because he didn’t receive the care he deserved.
“Ultimately after a long battle during all the Covid restrictions, we did eventually get him moved to Persley Castle Care Home. Finally, he got the care and attention he needed. And we as a family felt supported after a nightmare few years,” added Elaine.
Celebration of John’s life
John died peacefully on March 2.
“It wasn’t unexpected but we’re really sad. We are taking some comfort in knowing his final weeks and months were spent in a supportive, loving environment,” Elaine added.
“As a butcher, my dad took great pride in helping his elderly clients. He was a really kind man and it breaks our hearts to think of what he went through. We’ll miss him terribly.”
A celebration of John’s life is to take place on Wednesday March 15 in Aberdeen Crematorium’s West Chapel.
Glenn Miller’s big band music will be played and a collection will be taken for Alzheimer Scotland.
John is survived by his wife Elsie, daughters Elaine and Pauline, son-in-law Douglas Mitchell and grandson Gary.
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