WILLIAM WADDELL

 - LINLITHGOW GAZETTE 16/2/1912

THE LATE MR. WM. WADDELL.   Although not altogether unexpected, it was with regret that many learned of the death at Richmond House last Friday afternoon of Mr Wm. Waddell, formerly agent for the Carron Company at Bo’ness.  

Last spring Mr Waddell had a seizure, which laid him aside for some weeks.   He, however, recovered, and in September went to Oban to recruit.   On his return he had another seizure, and his health after that was so precarious that he had to give up active duty.   Although rallying, at times his condition became very grave, and he passed quietly away on Friday afternoon.  

Mr Waddell was a native of Carron.   After serving for four years in the shipping department of the Carron Company, he was appointed their resident agent at Bo’ness.   That was exactly 30 years ago, when the old steamer Carron plied regularly between Bo’ness and London with cargo only.  

Mr Waddell succeeded in building up the commercial side of the firm’s business in Bo’ness.   He witnessed the introduction and expansion of the company’s passenger service, and did much by his personal efforts and strict supervision to make for the efficiency of that service and the comfort of the passengers.   During the busy season as many as 100 would leave for the round trip, and passengers found that the admirable arrangements made beforehand by Mr Waddell contributed materially to the success of their holiday.  

Mr Waddell, on two occasions at least, declined offers of promotion in the service, being quite content to remain in Bo’ness.   Although manifesting at all times a keen interest in public affairs, he took no active part in them.   He was a prominent Freemason, and at one time filled the office of Senior Warden in Lodge Douglas.   He was also an enthusiastic bowler, and was one of the original directors of Bo’ness Bowling Club, Limited.  

Mr Waddell, who was 58 years of age, leaves a widow, four sons and one daughter, for whom much sympathy is felt in their bereavement.   One of the sons, James, is shipping superintendent of customs at Kobe, Japan.