HE WAS an honoured soldier, an expert kilt maker and a globe-trotting pensioner – 83 year-old Arthur Varley came a long way from humble beginnings in Ripponden.
Most people are lucky to have one entry in the history books, Mr Varley, will have several. One as the last regimental military tailor, another as a British Empire Medal holder, a third as the man who stitched a kilt for Prince Charles.
The countless others will include company director, bugle player and much-loved father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Mr Varley, who lived at Catherine Slack, Ripponden, always wanted to be a soldier, but his parents died when he was a teenager living at Orange Court, Halifax, so he took a job at Crossley's Carpets, Dean Clough, Halifax.
His adventures started with a change of career. He became a fireman for LMS railways and spent the war years dodging the Luftwaffe – the smoke plumes from the steam trains bellowing from the tunnels, acted as giant target for the German forces.
After an unsuccessful attempt to join the Army, he tried again 1945, signing up with a pal, Harry Knowles.
Mr Knowles joined the Guards and Mr Varley, the Black Watch.
He was a man of many talents. He could play the bugle and join-ed the regimental pipe band and, when he tranferred to the Gordon Highlanders in 1951, his skill with a needle was spotted.
He was soon made Highland Regimental master tailor and, when he retired on March 2, 1970 – 24 years and 83 days after signing up – he became the last person to hold the title.
Mr Varley decided against the offer of a job as a costume maker in Covent Garden. Instead he joined Hector Russell Kilt Makers in Inverness, becoming a director. He stayed there until he retired.
On October 16, 1970, his loyal service to the Highlanders was rewarded with a British Empire Medal.
In the early 80s, his skills were thrust on to the international stage. Prince Charles wore one of Mr Varley's creations for a honeymoon photocall with Princess Diana. The kilt pin, which the Prince still wears, was Mr Varley's. He could not find a suitable one in time, so he handed over his own.
Mr Varley was a keen traveller. While serving with the Highlanders he went to India, Korea, Cyprus, Germany and East Africa, with his late wife, Sheila and their two daughters, Gillian and Susan.
Earlier this year he realised a lifelong ambition by visiting America, aged 82, with his family. They took in the sights from Seattle to San Diego.
Three weeks before his death on November 13, he went to Tenerife with his eldest daughter, Susan Fraser.
Mrs Fraser said: "He was pretty well unique, not only as a Yorkshireman who was a kilt maker, but also as the last regimental master tailor.
"He lived life to the full. Both he and my mum did a lot of interesting things and he was a very interesting person. People are really going to miss him.
"He was thought of with huge affection. He had a gentle sense of mischief and he never lost his sense of humour."
Mr Varley had a brother called Raymond and a sister, Maureen, who he last saw in 1957. His daughters have tried several times to track down family members and would like anyone who can help to get in touch.#
If you have information, ring Ruth Mosalski on 01422 260216 or e-mail
ruth.mosalski@halifaxcourier.co.uk