Gerrard Lyall, Solicitor

Published on Sunday 4 October 2009 21:25

Born: January 1928, in Macduff. Died: 15 September, 2009, in Aberdeen, aged 81.

GERRARD Lyall, who died suddenly after a major heart operation, was a much respected Bannffshire solicitor. His early schooling was in Macduff and Banff, his later schooling at Gordonstoun.

His years at Gordonstoun were life-defining. The ethos of the school, based on the four pillars of service, responsibility, challenge and internationalism had a marked influence on the way he lived his life – professionally and socially.

Before studying law at Edinburgh University, Gerrard did his National Service in the RAF. On graduating, he returned to Macduff to assume responsibility for his father's legal firm, Walter Gerrard & Co. For more than 50 years, he committed himself to his clients. Hours didn't matter to Gerrard and often the fee didn't matter either.

As a member of the Scottish Law Society, he served for a time as president and secretary of the Banffshire Society of solicitors. He was serving as an Honorary Sheriff up until his death.

I have known few men who were as intimately identified with as many worthwhile and important organisations and activities. After serving as Scout leader in Macduff, he served as County Commissioner for Banffshire.

It was through the Scouts that he met and fell in love with another Scout leader, Eleanor Christie. Although he had waited longer than most to find his partner, he never doubted that the wait had been worth it. His wife is at present Chief Scout for Scotland.

For 54 years Gerrard served as a church elder and for many years as session clerk. As well as the local church he took an active part in the Presbytery of Buchan, serving at various times as presbytery clerk, business convener and treasurer. He also served on many church assembly committees.

There was nothing small about Gerrard Lyall. To the causes and projects in which he got involved, including Rotary, he gave an immense amount of thought, time, energy and considerable financial support. His wise counsel, friendly manner, warm smile and sympathetic understanding will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved Gerrard.

He is survived by his wife, two sons Andrew and Malcolm, and two adored grand-children.