Family members, friends and colleagues in Bahrain have paid heartfelt tributes to longtime resident Alistair Woods, who left a lasting legacy in the kingdom and beyond.
The Scottish expatriate, who was born in Hamilton, passed away last week at Auchterarder Community Hospital at the age of 81 following a battle with cancer.
His wife, Alison, recalled his first years in the Middle East, describing a journey that began in 1973, when he travelled to Saudi Arabia to work for oil giant Aramco – a move that would mark the start of a remarkable international career.
“On arrival in Saudi Arabia, dressed in a nylon shirt and polyester trousers, he quickly discovered that his wardrobe was rather unsuited to the desert climate,” she said. “Buying a new supply of cotton clothing became his first practical lesson in adapting to life in the Gulf, something he would do with enthusiasm and good humour for the rest of his life.”
After three years in Saudi Arabia, Mr Woods moved to Bahrain to work in safety and security at Asry, arriving with his then wife, Margaret, and his family.
“What began as a posting abroad grew into an extraordinary career in Bahrain spanning 42 years,” Alison added.
During that time, Alistair became widely respected in his profession and eventually served as manager of security at Bapco, a role he carried out with great integrity and dedication.
Beyond his professional life, Alistair immersed himself fully in the community. “He was a familiar and much-valued figure in many organisations, generously giving his time and energy to committees and community groups,” Alison said.
“Proud of his Scottish roots, he served as Chieftain of the Manama Caledonian Society and later as president of the Awali Caledonian Society, where his enthusiasm, humour and natural leadership made him hugely popular.”
He also had a lifelong love of the sea and decided to learn to sail. His first boat was a traditional dhow.
“His passion for sailing extended beyond the water, as he later served on the Bahrain Yacht Club committee and eventually became its commodore,” she added.
From 1997 to 1998, he also served as president of the Rotary Club of Adliya.
In August 2000, tragedy struck the family when his beloved daughter, Aileen, was among those who lost their lives in the Gulf Air crash.
“She had just begun a new role in telecommunications in Egypt and was travelling to Bahrain to spend time with her father,” Alison said. “It was a devastating loss, but one that he carried with quiet strength and deep love for his family.”
In 2002, Alistair married Alison and the couple shared many happy years together in Bahrain. When he retired from Bapco in 2013, they moved to Manama, where they spent five more years enjoying life in a country that had become so meaningful to them.
In 2018, they reluctantly left Bahrain to return home to be closer to family and friends, bringing to a close an extraordinary chapter of a life lived with generosity, adventure and deep community spirit.
“Alistair will be remembered for his warmth, his quiet leadership, his love of the sea, and his remarkable ability to bring people together,” she said. “He leaves behind a legacy of friendship, service and kindness that will long be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Friends also shared touching tributes to honour his life. Friend and neighbour David Reid remembered him well. “He was a great lover of golf and a member of the Royal Golf Club,” he said. “He also enjoyed taking his friends out on his boat.
“He was our next-door neighbour for several years and their door was always open for a chat and a drink.”
Mr Reid added that Alistair, an avid cook, was very protective of his family and friends. “He was a big guy with a big heart, who we lost too soon.”
GDN columnist Jackie Beadie, who met Mr Woods when he moved to Awali. “I first met Alistair in 1994 as we were both heavily involved in the Caledonian societies. Indeed, when I was Chieftain of Manama Caledonian Society, Alistair was Chieftain of Awali Caledonian Society, and we would invite each other to our functions.
“Over the years Alistair and I were part of the same social group and would frequently engage in plenty of good Scottish blether. This has come as a shock to us as Alistair was always a larger-than-life character, My wife Debbie, and my thoughts, go out to Alison and the rest of the family, may he rest in peace.”
Friend and former colleague, The Bahrain Caledonian Society – Awali’s current chieftain Ewan Reekie BEM, also highlighted his friend’s charity work through the Rotary Club and his many contributions to the kingdom’s community.
“He was well known and renowned for his fiery ‘address to the Haggis’ on the society’s annual Burns Night,” he said.
Mr Woods’ funeral is being held today at Stirlingshire Crematorium in Bannockburn.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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