A popular Ayrshire figure celebrated his 100th birthday recently – and his family were inundated with well-wishes.
Dr Richard Mills, born in 1922, is well-known across a number of sporting clubs due to filling in as a doctor at both Kilmarnock's rugby and football clubs over the years.
An iconic figure in the town, he is father to Norman, Kenneth and Marjorie, and also worked at The Wards medicial practice on Dundonald Road from 1950 until 1981.
Richard was born in Carlisle, Cumbria before moving to Anstruther, Fife when he was a toddler.
He was head boy at Cellerdyke Public School in 1934 and went on to St Andrews University to study medicine. On graduating, he worked at Dundee Hospital where he met his future wife, Dorothy.
Richard, who has been a widower for 13 years, did his National Service in Palestine and was discharged from the army in September 1949. He received the honorary rank of captain.
Son Norman said: "He always had a love for any sport. He played for Waid Academy 1st XV as well as St Andrews University and Scottish Universities.
"He is a life member of Kilmarnock Barassie Golf Club and honorary vice-president of Kilmarnock Rugby Club.
"He was also a season ticket holder at Kilmarnock Football Club for many years
“He’s been to sporting events all around the world, he’s taken me with him to a number of them.
“And he took my to Tynecastle when Kilmarnock won the league in 1965. It was a special day to spend with him.
“I don’t remember much about it as I was 11, but I just know it was a special day.
“It’s great having those memories with him. You don’t think about it at the time but looking back I was so lucky."
Norman added: "He received the Badge of Honour from the Red Cross for his work with them, followed Kilmarnock RFC all over the country when I played and after that as well; and went on several tours."
Richard's daughter Marjorie said: “They joked that he had to be married when he became a GP because the women had to get the messages!
“Luckily, he had a fiancee at the time, so it worked out but it was quicker than expected!
“He was a GP in Kilmarnock for over 30 years and, believe it or not, he had to retire due to ill health.
“Plenty of people knew him from the GP days and then, between all the sports, everyone in the town knew him!"
Norman added: “He is a very well-known man, very well liked.
“My sister said there was over 200 messages on Facebook wishing him well. We want to thank everyone for that and the cards we received. We were inundated. It was a great day."
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