The West Yorkshire, England market town of Otley recently bid farewell to one of its biggest personalities following the death of former Blackhill Quarry ‘security guard’ Arthur McCoy, aged 86.
Phil Mone, director with Mone Brothers who operate the Blackhill Quarry in Bramhope, said: "My father, Philip, first met Arthur in 1990. He saw him sleeping rough along the roadside in North Leeds whilst driving to the quarry and decided to help Arthur out.
"My Dad offered Arthur a few days’ work which turned into 12 years! We bought a caravan for him to live in at the quarry site and he acted as our security guard. He could be frequently seen opening up the gates dressed only in a baggy pair of pants!
"One night the quarry was broken into but Arthur didn't hear a thing. The next day I asked him if he'd been drinking. Arthur responded "No boss, I was celebate!" He often used fancy words but in completely the wrong context.
"He was a real character who took a special interest in politics, and he liked a drink! In 2002 my Dad arranged for Arthur to move into sheltered housing in Otley where he lived peacefully and made many new friends, in particular Sue and Sarah from the Black Bull pub who took great care of Arthur for the remainder of his life. We also kept in regular touch and visited him many times over the years.
"There was a bizarre link between my Dad and Arthur. They both shared the same birthday and were the same age. Their paths were destined to cross and everyone at Mone Brothers will miss our larger than life former security guard," concluded Phil.
Sue Blackburn, landlady of the Black Bull in Otley, said: "Basically Arthur became a good friend after I took him under my wing around 10 years ago. I made sure he was well looked after and loved him like a grandfather. He will be sadly missed."
