Cambuslang man celebrates 100th birthday

Feb 3 2010 by Will Henshaw, Rutherglen Reformer

A CAMBUSLANG man became a centenarian as he celebrated his 100th birthday.

Robert Anderson, who now lives in Burnside, marked the mile stone by having a small gathering at his house, which family, friends as well as carers attended.

His daughter, Karin Fair, said: “We had an open door so my dad wasn’t confronted by a whole host of people at once.

“We had a wee party, and it was partly to say thanks to his Carers who take such good care of him.

“It was great and a big thanks to everyone who turned up.”

Robert, known as Rob, was born on January 27, 1910 and was originally from Blantyre, but moved to Cambuslang when he was a boy.

Robert attended West Coats School, which was both a primary and a secondary at the time, where he excelled and made Dux.

He had two sisters, Nancy and Margaret and one brother, Gavin.

He has two sons, Alan and Gavin, and daughter Karin, as well as three grandsons and three granddaughters.

Once he completed school he went on to become one of the most renouned designers in the country.

He joined Templeton’s Carpet factory in Bridgeton as a designer, who sent him to London for a year to study and gain further knowledge of the industry.

A very fit man, Robert enjoyed hill walking, climbing, skiing and canoeing.

Rob was with Templetons for all his working days, gaining the position of head designer within the company.

In 1961 Robert went round the globe with his work, showing his wonderful carpet designs around the world.

He had to join up for the army during the second world war, where he signed up for the Army Physical Training Core and the Royal Core of Signals. He was stationed at Eaglesham Castle, where he was duty sergeant.

He was one of the first to spot Hitler’s deputy, Rudolph Hess, coming down in his parachute.

A German television company came to interview the people in Eaglesham about the landing and one of the woman asked was able to tell them about Robert meeting the infamous Rudolph.

Rudolph offered Robert a cigarette from his silver cigarette case, which Robert refused as he didn’t smoke.

He went home the next day and told his wife about the ordeal, and it wasn’t until later on when they realised who it was that had actually landed.

Karin added: “On behalf of the family I would like to thank Constance Carers for all they have done for my father.

“The family are truly indebted to all for helping to make this possible.”