A reclusive former Scottish soldier lay dead in his flat for seven months after falling out with his family.
Proud Thomas Yuill, 82, lived alone in a council flat on the notorious Blackbird Leys estate in Oxford.
His funeral took place yesterday – but it’s unclear if any relatives were there for the service.
Mr Yuill, who had two older brothers who are believed to still be alive, had a falling out with his family in the 1960s.
Council officers twice visited the flat to chase missing rent payments but neither time notified emergency services about concerns for the welfare of Mr Yuill, who was born in Lanark and grew up in the nearby mining village of Kirkmuirhill.
Officials knocked and rang the bell – even noticing a “musty” smell – but went away after getting no reply.
Proud Thomas Yuill, 82, lived alone in a council flat on the notorious Blackbird Leys estate in Oxford.
It was only after a statutory 28-day notice period issued by Oxford City Council expired that officers entered the property and found his body.
His decomposing corpse lay just a few feet on the other side of his front door.
Family members were tracked down on behalf of Oxford City Council by genealogists Finders International.
His niece, Valerie Hall, 67, of Stockton-on-Tees, said she not seen her uncle for decades but said he was “a lonely man and didn’t want company”.
Military records reveal Corporal Yuill’s “exemplary conduct” and also note that he received an operational medal for general service in Cyprus.
His daughter, Karen, a theatre manager, was born in 1965 and died of cancer in 2009 and his wife Mabel, from whom he became estranged, died in 2011.
The next of kin on the council’s books, who would have been the authority’s point of contact, died in 2012.
Finders International spokeswoman Kirsty How said Mr Yuill is survived by two brothers, and several nephews and nieces.
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The city council is now launching a “social isolation project” to contact the more than 700 residents aged over 75 living alone to talk to them about their personal circumstances.
Council spokeswoman Geraldine McIlwane added “It is a distressing case which illustrates the fine balance between respect for the tenant’s right to privacy and the council’s role as a caring landlord.”
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Dave worked in several diverse local authorities undertaking the statutory role of providing funerals under the Public Health Act. He was responsible for registering deaths, making funeral arrangements, liaising with next of kin and all other duties falling into this sphere. Working in social care, Dave was also responsible for acting as deputy under the Mental Capacity Act for people who lacked the capacity to manage their own financial affairs. Having taken redundancy from his last local authority due to an internal restructuring following cost cutting measures, Dave started working with Finders International in May 2017 developing their business with local authorities. Please feel free to call at 07753306885 or contact him at [email protected]
Elaine Ridley has recently joined Finders International as Public Sector Development Manager, having extensive experience of working for and managing public services.
Formerly employed by a local authority as Coroner’s Service Manager, she has 14 years’ experience. While working in Ireland, she also trained and subsequently volunteered with Cruse Bereavement Care, providing bereavement support for six years.
Prior to this post, Elaine was the Family Liaison in a large physical and mental health NHS Foundation Trust. Providing a consistently high standard of support to families, carers and service users through Serious Incident or Complaint Investigations, she also developed training and presented locally and nationally on the importance of engaging effectively with families.
As with all Finders International Public Sector staff, Elaine is here to help, advise and support the work of hard pressed Bereavement Services Officers at NHS Trusts, Coroners and Local Authorities. Please feel free to call at 07498 322139 or contact her at [email protected].
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