Businessman who ran his family firm in the town for more than 60 years has passed away at the age of 92

Rudi Stetz died peacefully at home last Friday after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

He ran Gourock Waste Metal and Car Breakers in Cardwell Road and was still working six days a week right up until January.

His son Hans, 53, today paid tribute.

Mr Stetz said: "He lived a full life, had a great work ethic and was a family man devoted to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

"He was well-known in the area and outwith the area."

Rudi made a big contribution to his community, helping to launch Gourock YAC, including its first girls' team.

Speaking on the eve of his 90th birthday, he told the Telegraph: "The YAC grew bigger and bigger over the years and we even appeared on ‘It’s A Knockout’ twice back in the 1970s.

"That was a big deal as it was the biggest programme on the TV at the time.”

From 1981 to 1983, Rudi was also the Right Worshipful Master of Lodge Firth of Clyde Gourock No. 626, a position later held by his grandson Nicholas.

Rudi was also a founder member of The Anchor Lodge of Research.

But first and foremost Rudi was a family man, devoted to his children Marrianne, Ingrid, Christine, Barbara, Rudi, Rosalind and Hans, as well as his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Hans said: "We have a close-knit family which meant there was always someone there to look after him."

His grandson was also called Rudi because he was born on the same day as him, in 2014.

Rudi was born in a town called Geishewald in Germany in 1926 which was renamed and is now part of Poland.

During the conflict he was shot in France and was a prisoner of war in America.

After the war he made his way to Europe and settled in London.

It was there he met his wife Barbara, a Gourock girl who was visiting her sister there.

They returned to her home town and lived in Mathie Crescent and were happily married until Barbara passed away 15 years ago.

Sadly his son Rudi, who had multiple sclerosis, also passed away 20 years ago.

Hans has been left in charge of the business, which he runs with his nephews Ryan and Nicholas.

He said: "That was his wish, that I carry on the family name."

A celebration of Rudi's life will take place at Greenock Crematorium on May 24.