A FORMER Lord Mayor of York and renowned railwayman has died, aged 87.
Reg Pulleyn passed away suddenly on August 22 surrounded by his family.
The great grandfather-of-five was a recipient of the British Empire Medal and held a number of prestigious positions in the city, and greeted the Queen when she visited York in 1988.
In a 30-year career in Local Government, he represented Holgate ward and Beckfield ward for City of York Council, was elected to North Yorkshire County Council in 1973, and was twice the Sheriff of York between 1974 and 1975, and later 1995 and 1996.
Mr Pulleyn, of Tang Hall Lane, York, was born on January 28, 1928 to humble beginnings in The Groves.
However, he went on to work for British Rail for almost 46 years and rose through the ranks from his first job as a signalman to become senior signalman at York station, before retiring in 1989.
Reg Pulleyn with his daughter Lesley on a visit to York Station's control room in 2012
The father-of-four was married to former Lady Mayoress Molly for more than 30 years and she was often seen accompanying him on official engagements during his mayoral year in office between 1988 and 1989.
He had four children with his first wife Kathleen - Chris, Terry, Lesley and Jackie.
His year as Lord Mayor saw him greet The Queen when she visited York Minster in November 1988, following the completion of repairs after the 1984 fire. He also tried to challenge Nestle's takeover of Rowntree's by leading a delegation from York to Switzerland to meet with the confectioner's hierarchy.
The life-long trade unionist was appointed honorary alderman of York City in 1993 and honorary alderman of North Yorkshire County Council a year later.
His son, Terry, said his father did all he could for the city.
"He was a great one for York," he said.
"He was a local councillor, Lord Mayor, trade unionist and he put his life into serving the city."
Daughter-in-law Allyson Pulleyn added: "He always had an opinion on things and it was always for the good of York.
"He was so passionate about the city and after being born into quite humble beginnings he did so much in his life."
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