A former Scots Guard from Darlington who met and protected the Queen has died - just a day before the monarch.

John Scott had “such a full life” with an extensive military career as well as years as a businessman in his younger days.

The 82-year-old’s funeral was also originally due to take place today but due to the state funeral, it will now be on Thursday at St. Andrew’s Church in Haughton, Darlington, at 12:30pm.

Having travelled the world, meeting several members of the Royal family, including Queen Elizabeth on several occasions, John had “a life and a half.”

With his wife Pauline, who died three years ago, and his three daughters, and eleven grandchildren, John was well-loved

John was a very popular man and his daughter, Alice Scott, told The Northern Echo about some of his proudest achievements and career highlights.

The Northern Echo: John playing his mouth organ at a VE garden party during lockdown with his two granddaughters. Picture: THE SCOTT FAMILYJohn playing his mouth organ at a VE garden party during lockdown with his two granddaughters. Picture: THE SCOTT FAMILY (Image: The Scott Family)

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The Northern Echo: John laying a wreath on behalf of the Scots Guards at the Falkland Islands. Picture: THE SCOTT FAMILYJohn laying a wreath on behalf of the Scots Guards at the Falkland Islands. Picture: THE SCOTT FAMILY (Image: The Scott Family)

Alice said: “He had time for everyone. He was such a good listener. He had 11 grandchildren who adored him and they’re devastated now he’s gone.

“He had Myeloma and since he died, I’ve been inundated with amazing stories and memories people have of him. He had loads of friends, he was so well-liked.

“He was very humble and so funny. He had a great sense of humour and didn’t take himself too seriously. He even wrote a joke book for charity.

“I’ve found more photos of him than I know what to do with, and hearing all these lovely stories about him makes me so proud.”

The Northern Echo: John after giving a speech and walking his granddaughter down the aisle in December 2020. Picture: THE SCOTT FAMILYJohn after giving a speech and walking his granddaughter down the aisle in December 2020. Picture: THE SCOTT FAMILY (Image: The Scott family)

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In his life John travelled to countless countries including; Argentina, Japan, Hawaii, Mexico, France, Malta and Finland.

John even left a wreath on behalf of the Scots Guards at the Falkland Islands. He was a big royalist and in recent years joined in a march past in Wellington Barracks.

The Northern Echo: Picture: THE SCOTT FAMILYPicture: THE SCOTT FAMILY (Image: THE SCOTT FAMILY)

He met the late Queen at a Buckingham Palace garden party, which he brought two granddaughters along to. He then met her again at several Scots Guards gatherings.

The Northern Echo: John with his wife Pauline, and his two granddaughters; Kimberly and Brittany, in 2014. Picture: THE SCOTT FAMILYJohn with his wife Pauline, and his two granddaughters; Kimberly and Brittany, in 2014. Picture: THE SCOTT FAMILY (Image: The Scott Family)

Alice said: “He has also met the Duke of Kent several times at events and they’ve dined together at Ripley Castle as the Duke is Head of the Scots guards.

“Everybody is saying it’s ironic John died a day before the Queen. He must have been sent to guard her.”

John’s funeral was originally due to take place this Monday (September 19) but due to the state funeral, it will now be on Thursday, September 22 at St. Andrew’s Church in Haughton, Darlington, at 12:30pm and everyone is welcome.

The Northern Echo: John and his wife, Pauline. Picture: THE SCOTT FAMILYJohn and his wife, Pauline. Picture: THE SCOTT FAMILY (Image: The Scott Family)

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