TRIBUTES have poured in following the death of one of Inverclyde's most respected former councillors and union leaders.

Former Larkfield elected member Pat McCormick passed away at the age of 85 following a short battle with cancer.

Friends and colleagues spoke of a much loved man who cared deeply for the community he represented.

During his working days the former Co-op man led the retail union USDAW and was president of the Scottish Trades Union Congress.

His former colleague and friend, past Provost Allan Robertson, said: "Pat was a man of great integrity.

"He was well liked and well respected.

"He faced many challenges as a councillor in Larkfield but he was so committed and did his very best for those he served.

"Pat will be sadly missed."

Pat, who lived in Gourock's St Andrews Drive, grew up in Greenock in Dellingburn, one of six children born to parents Bridget and James.

He was happily married to his late wife May for 59 years and the pair brought up their daughter Linda up in Braeside.

Pat started working for the Co-op when he left school.

He rose through the ranks of the union, first as a shop steward and then as a full time union official with USDAW

In his roles as secretary and then president of the STUC Pat travelled the world, visiting Russia and South Africa.

When he retired he stood for Inverclyde Council, serving two terms as a Larkfield councillor before stepping down in 2007.

He used his free time to volunteer with the Inverclyde Tourist Group.

Pat loved cruises and spent quality time aboard enjoying holidays with his family.

The family man Pat was left devastated by the death of May, aged 81, four years ago.

His daughter Linda, 59, of Gourock, today paid tribute to her father.

She said: "My dad loved being a councillor. He like to help people and did the very best he could. He was kind, caring and a very hard working man his whole life. He was very close to his grandsons David, 28, and Robbie, 25."

Council colleagues including Jim Clocherty and former Provost Robert Moran also praised their late colleague.

Cllr Clocherty said: "Pat was a great negotiator. He will be much missed."

Cllr Moran added: "I served with Pat and really valued his experience in the unions."

Former Provost Ciano Rebecchi added: "Pat was a lovely man. No one had a bad word to say to him."

Pat's funeral takes place today at St Ninian's Church in Gourock at 10am and thereafter to Greenock Crematorium at 11am.