WARM tributes have been paid to a popular community stalwart who has sadly passed away after battling cancer.

William Brown, known as Bill, worked tirelesly to improve the Branchton area of Greenock.

He died earlier this month after a brave fight against throat cancer.

Staff at Branchton Community Centre, where he was a committee member, remember him fondly and say it’s a huge loss.

Michelle McIlroy, chairperson of the community centre, said: “Bill will be sadly missed and it’s a big loss for the Branchton area.

“He was a well-respected and well-known member of the community and will always be remembered for the contribution he made to the Branchton area.

“He rallied everyone together and really worked towards developing community spirit in the area — he was just daft on the community.” The 71-year-old, who had lived in Rothesay Road since he was 15, enjoyed a career in the Navy before dedicating his life to community work.

After leaving the navy, he became a youth worker at the Meadowlark Hall where he stayed for about three years.

He then got involved in a project to improve housing in the area and was one of the driving forces behind the creation of Branchton Community Centre.

Michelle said: “He was involved in the Better Neighbourhood campaign, which fought for money to improve the old houses, and he also worked hard to get the money together to build the community centre.

“He also helped to set up the Larkfield, Braeside and Branchton Community Council, which he previously chaired, and had also been the treasurer of the Branchton Tenants’ and Residents’ Association.” Latterly Bill was known as a dedicated committee member for Branchton Community Centre and was a member of the Larkfield Masonic Association.

Michelle said: “He done a lot of fundraising for charities and would organise trips for the youngsters.

“He also enjoyed doing different wee courses at the centre including a computer course with his close friend John Donachie.

“He was always very cheery and optimistic and was a good listener — people could speak to him about their problems.” William’s funeral service took place last Thursday at Greenock Crematorium.