TRIBUTES have been paid to a much loved family man and bowling stalwart who has sadly passed away.

Gerry Watters, who was renowned for stalwart service at Lady Alice Bowling Club, died on September 8 at the age of 64.

His best friend Joe Carruthers, the club secretary, described him as a devoted husband, dad, grandad, best friend and long standing member of the club who will be sorely missed.

Joe said: "Gerry was a member for over 30 years.

"He did the match secretary job and then he became president in 1998.

"He was so well thought of that we made sure that he was the president for our centenary year in 2015.

"Gerry was tremendously popular - he was such a nice guy.

"In 2013, him and I took on the two big jobs as he became the treasurer and I took on the secretary job.

"He worked tirelessly and he loved his bowls."

Gerry, of Wellington Street, who formerly worked as a joiner at his late brother Robert's business RF Watters, was devoted to his wife Ellen and daughters Michelle, 32, Stephanie, 37, and Lisa, 25 and doted on his four grandchildren.

Apart from his family, his big passion in life was his bowls.

Over the years, Gerry worked extremely hard at the club and was instrumental in re-starting its junior section in 2003.

He was also a successful bowler in his own right, picking up plenty of silverware including the Renfrewshire Under 45 team title in 2000.

Later in life, Gerry suffered health problems and on his 50th birthday he underwent a kidney transplant.

The transplant was successful for the first two years before failing and he ended up on kidney dialysis.

Despite his illness, Gerry never complained.

Joe said: "He was an inspiration.

"One time we went to visit him in hospital when he was in intensive care and the first thing he asked was what was happening at the club."

During Gerry's illness, Joe held a birthday bash and rather than receiving presents, he thoughtfully asked people to donate funds for the renal unit at the Inverclyde Royal Hospital.

The bowling club also raised money for Gerry to visit Lourdes.

As well as his bowls, Gerry was also a keen Celtic supporter and he enjoyed playing golf at Whinhill.

Joe said Gerry will be remembered as a 'local legend' who enriched the lives of everyone he met.

He said: "Gerry was a great guy."

His funeral will be held on Wednesday September 25 at 10am at St Patrick's Church thereafter at Greenock Crematorium at 11am.