Gordon Mayne, Managing Director at Maynes Coaches of Buckie, passed away very suddenly at home on Wednesday 29 July.
Aged 67, Gordon had been the third generation to run the family business, following in the footsteps of his grandad Jimmy – who started the company in 1947 – and father Donnie.
Gordon trained as a welder in the shipyard in Buckie, after which he began to get more involved in the business. Following the sudden passing of Donnie in 1982, he rose to the challenge and took over the reins of the family business.
Subsequently, Gordon steered Maynes over the decades that followed, building it into the company it is today. He continued with his father’s policy of regularly buying new vehicles to match customer demand, expanding the fleet further. Passionate about firm’s history and keen to keep it alive, Gordon even purchased a Duple-bodied Bedford OB coach identical to the first vehicle purchased by Jimmy Mayne in 1947. This vehicle is still with the company today.
Ten years into Gordon’s tenure as Managing Director in 1992 – by which time the fleet comprised around 20 vehicles – it became apparent that the Cluny Lane premises were totally inadequate. This prompted a move to a new depot and yard on the Marchmont Industrial Estate, which the operator continues to call home nearly three decades on.
Although remaining a privately-owned, family-run business, the company had been transformed since 1947 from a one vehicle business to a major player with a modern fleet of 45 coaches and over 60 members of staff.
Gordon and his late wife Sandra (2011) were joined in the company over the years by sons David and Kevin, both growing up with a huge insight into the industry and company. Gordon and his sons always enjoyed factory visits, allowing a glimpse at the latest fleet additions as they made way along the production line.
Gordon loved the coach industry. He was very passionate and knowledgeable about coaching and deeply involved with coach associations such as NEPCOA and the CPT. He was also very proud when the company became a member of The Guild Of British Coach Operators.
Very important to Gordon were trade events and get-togethers with his ‘coach family’ at wider industry events, shows and awards evenings – the latter of which Maynes continues to see notable success at. All the while, he continued to keep his feet on the ground as ‘just a driver’ on countless day trips and tours.
Gordon was a much-loved dad to both David and Kevin, father-in-law to Judith and Helen, proud and loving Granda of Meghan, Holly, Rebecca, Cerys and Ellen, great granda of Aria and Arlo, loving son of Anna and late father Donnie, brother of Audrey, a dear uncle, great uncle, friend of many and a true ‘coachman.’
Sons David and Kevin will continue to drive Maynes forward as the fourth generation, as the fifth follows closely in their tracks.
Kevin, currently Operations Director at the firm, said: “Gordon’s passion for the company came with the saying, ‘never ask someone to do something you cannae do yerself.’ This very true; first in last out on many a day seven days a week, the ‘Mayne man’ was the drive and heart of the company.
“Together with mam again… sleep well.”
Gordon’s funeral will be private due to social distancing and current health guidelines. Further information regarding the service and a slow procession to the cemetery will be posted on the company’s Facebook page. Anyone wishing to pay respects will be welcome and the route will be announced in the coming days.
