Community group leaders, elected councillors and members of parliament together with a host of local residents – and more – have paid tribute to Joe Preece, former manager of the town’s Food Bank, who died last week. 

Steve Blake, who worked with Joe and took over as the charity’s manager when Joe stepped down, said that they had been overwhelmed with people’s messages of “sympathy, loss, love and respect” saying: “Joe was unique. He had a real sweet spot in his nature where people were able to see him as both a boss and a close friend. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”

Steve spoke of Joe’s “high degree of professionalism and organisation” that he brought to the Foodbank’s operation. Joe adds: “He ensured all ran in a very efficient and compliant manner – where everything was carried out to a high standard, be that interactions with the folk that visited us or the intricacies of stock management.”

Loyalty

There is no doubt that Joe loved working with his team of volunteers, providing them with lots of praise, encouragement and recognition of their efforts. His style of leadership was very informal, but it encouraged a high level of loyalty and the extra effort that only comes from having an inspirational character like Joe in charge.

Steve explains: “This was largely driven through the use of endless – often inappropriate – stories, anectodes and his quick wit. Joe was just full of mischief and his smile and laugh were very infectious. Despite the very tough and often emotionally challenging work the Food Bank undertakes, Joe made sure fun and laughter were always present. He would go out of his way to help anybody and just had a way of making people feel better. He was one of a kind.”

He built relationships with all – from those who came to the Food Bank for support, to the businesses and organisations that collected and donated to the charity – as well as with the referral agencies.

A Life of Service

For all who attended Cupar’s Remembrance Service, Joe was an integral part of the commemoration. You can click on the image below from November 2022 to play the YouTube film of the service …

Fellow local Reservist, Bill Pagan, recalls times spent with Joe and the influence he had on the town and Cupar’s soldiers saying: “Joe made such a mark in so many areas.  I got to know him as soon as he arrived here in Cupar as Permanent Staff Administration Officer. I watched with admiration and pleasure as his influence was felt, welcomed, and respected by all with whom he came into contact.”

Bill shared that Joe was a cavalryman, a paratrooper and “a soldier’s soldier” who “displayed and expected the highest standards“, adding: “He was very proud of his military pedigree and devoted much energy to to the culture and history of the Fife & Forfar Yeomanry.”

The tributes shared mention that Joe was dedicated to many local organisations.  Bill says: “How true – and I hope I was able to give him the support he deserved with military parades and events.  Most recently it was his achievements with the Food Bank that were well known.  On my first visit after he took over, I felt the tins of supplies were standing to attention as he walked past!”

Thoughts and prayers …

The team at the Food Bank have shared on social media that they are “heartbroken” – and their post rightly generated many comments from those wishing to pass on their condolences to family and friends as well as to share their own thoughts: as a small selection …

“So sorry to hear this news. He was a good friend to the CiC and supported us during COVID times and always great to chat to & made everyone so welcome . He was a good friend to have and will be very much missed by our team and clients alike.” Community in Cupar

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“Joe brought light + laughter into so many lives. His wit was infectious, his love of classical music endearing + his enjoyment of life so obvious to all who met him. I feel privileged to have known him + work with him through Cupar Foodbank. A true gentleman who will be sadly missed by the Cupar community. Sincere condolences to Carole, young Joe, Michaela + his grandchildren” former Food Bank Chair, Kate Hughes

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“Very sad news indeed. Joe was a wonderful gentleman who gave so much to life and his community benefited greatly from his compassion, fun and a determination to make a difference for others. Sincere condolences to all his family and friends sending thoughts and prayers” Cllr Margaret Kennedy

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“Joe was an outstanding individual who gave so much heart and soul to everything he did. Even through his years of illness he was there. It was a pleasure to see him at Remembrance Sunday but so sad that it will be his last.” Willie Rennie MSP

 

Joe’s Funeral

Joe’s family asked Steven Stewart Funeral Directors to share the following …

“After a brave battle with illness, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday 21st January 2026. Joe aged 69 years of Cupar. He spent many years relocating with the Army, before settling in Cupar in 1997.

He was well known for his dedication to many local organisations and his willingness to help others. He is the beloved husband of Carole, much loved Dad to Joseph and Michaela, devoted Granda to Bethany and Isaac, father-in-law of Dave, a dear Brother to Sheila also a loved brother-in-law, uncle and a good friend to many.

Funeral service on Wednesday 4th February in St John’s Parish Church, Cupar at 11:30 to which all family and friends are respectfully invited.

Family flowers only please, donations in lieu of flowers may be made at the church doors in Joe’s memory towards CHAS. After the church service the family will move on to a private cremation service, everyone is invited to make their way over to the Masonic Lodge for refreshments and await the family’s return.“

 

From CuparNow …

Simon Baldwin of CuparNow shares his own reflection, saying: “I got to know Joe through our work with the Food Bank as well as liaising with him and the Legion over the town’s Remembrance Services. His whole being was positive and infectious and I had a great deal of time for him. I recall him telling me of his illness – and he faced it with the same positivity as any challenge he met.” Simon adds: “I did make one mistake with Joe. I’d visited a distillery shortly before seeing Joe at the Food Bank and passed on a gift of a miniature dram that had been given to me as I knew he loved whisky. Big mistake! He never let me forget that I had given him the tightest gift ever – a miniature bottle and a freebie to boot! I will miss him.”

 

Thank you for reading.