John Gillanders

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John was born in 1939 and lived with his mother and grandparents in Bovally, Limavady while his father was at war. He then moved to Derry where he attended Foyle College before going to Queens University to do an Electrical Engineering Degree. After leaving University he joined the Scottish Electrical training scheme for 2 years before getting a job with the Harland Engineering Company in Alloa. He met Margaret in Belfast while at University and they married in 1963 and spent the first 5 years of their married life in Alloa. They then moved back to Northern Ireland where John took up a position with Du Pont at Maydown near Derry. He remained with them until his death in 1995. He played Rugby from a school boy and played for Alloa, captaining the 1st XV and on returning to NI he palyed for City of Derry 1st XV and latterly Limavady 1st XV before injury made him decide refeering was possibly a safer option. He continued to referee matches until just before his death. His other great interest was the Scouting Movement in which he held many positions before ending up as County Commissioner for Londonderry.