Alexander Masson 1912 - 2014

Alex Masson was born 23 August 1912 and grew up in Aberdeen, Alex celebrated his 100th Birthday recently, educated at King Street School and Robert Gordon College Secondary Department, becoming an Apprentice Engineer while studying at Robert Gordon Technical College, now Robert Gordon University.

Alex joined the Fire Service in 1935 serving at 3 stations in Surrey. Transferred to Stretford & Urmston (Lancashire) Fire Service in 1939, serving as Sub Officer and Station Officer operating throughout the Northwest during periods of enemy action during the 2nd World War. After further study he became a Member of the institution of Fire Engineers.

Appointed Firemaster of Clydebank Fire Brigade in1941, at the inception of the National Fire Service, he was appointed Divisional Officer in charge of the area Clyde Coast from Langbank to Irvine, Argyll, Bute and their Islands together with Clyde Estuary, which were then the largest and busiest Royal Navy and Merchant Navy Anchorage in Britain. In 1946 Alex was promoted to Fire Force Commander, No.8 Area, Scotland, which included the Perth and Kinross Area. On the return of the Fire Service to Local Authority control in 1948, Alex was appointed Firemaster of Perth & Kinross. Alex retired from active service in 1975, having been awarded an M.B.E. in 1949 the O.B.E. in 1956 and the Queens Fire Service Medal in 1975.

Alex joined the Rotary Club of Perth in 1964, and is still a very active and regular member, Alex deems it a great honour to be presented with the Paul Harris Fellowship by the Club, and we in the Rotary Club of Perth, deem it a great honour that we have him as a member. Alex is an inspirational character, an example to us all, and epitomises the Rotary ethos 'Service before Self'.

• Yes Alex, the children of Belarus did get their shoes, and you did get the recognition you so richly deserve.
• Happy Birthday Alex from all your friends and fellow members at the Rotary Club of Perth! You are a "jolly good" Fellow!