Hundreds turn out for emotional funeral of respected Greenock detective

Around 200 colleagues of DC Gordon Gibson lined the entrance to Greenock Crematorium in his honour ahead of his funeral yesterday.

It was a fitting tribute to the husband and dad-of-two who dedicated his life to serving the public as a police officer.

In a moving eulogy his long time colleague Ian Hutcheson paid a poignant tribute to his friend, who tragically died in December.

Retired Ian, who first met Gordon as a young officer, said: "It was my greatest privilege and honour to be a very close friend and colleague of 'Gordy', as he was known.

"Gordon was a phenomenal police officer.

"He was legendary and simply the best.

"He was one to have around if any officer ever found themselves in jeopardy.

"As one of the messages online read 'it must have been kicking off in heaven if the big man sent for you so soon'.

"Gordon had a mischievous and cheeky sense of humour and the most infectious laugh.

"He really was a larger than life personality.

"His facial expressions will live with me forever."

Ian spoke about the close bond Gordon had with his best friend Damian Kane, a double act who were close inside and outside the force.

In the days that followed Gordon's death Damian started a Just Giving page in Gordon's memory and in a fitting show of support for his family it went on to raise more than £14,000.

Gordon, 42, was raised in the Gorbals where he was close to all his extended family.

He went to Blackfriars Primary and then King's Park Secondary.

During his life he had a lifelong passion for cars, loved Formula One, football and was a collector of watches.

Since childhood Gordon had always wanted to join the police but first he worked with a pharmaceutical firm and then Crolla ice cream.

In May 2001 his dreams came true when he joined the force, wearing his K117 uniform badge with pride and later 0835.

Gordon initially worked in K division as a dedicated uniform and drugs unit officer in Paisley.

In 2011 he moved to CID and was a highly respected detective by the time he transferred to Greenock.

It was at Paisley Police Office that he met his future wife Laura Watt, a young recruit, back in 2004.

They fell in love and married in April 2011 in Paisley Abbey.

DC Gibson was a devoted husband and dad-of-two who loved spending time with his family, on holiday and on days out.

He also enjoyed great times with friends on trips to places as far afield as Poland and Las Vegas.

Together with Damian, their families went on trips to Alton Towers and other places.

In his eulogy, Ian spoke about mental health problems Gordon had faced and expressed the wishes of his wife Laura, that his experiences would make a difference.

Addressing all of the mourners, the retired officer said: "Let's now pledge to talk about mental health.

"It should be spoken about at work, throughout the day, at briefings and muster.

"We have to speak about people's health and wellbeing.

"If we can help one person by talking about it then that will make a difference.

"There are a lot of 'what ifs?' right now.

"But I ask you to think of this - 'What if Gordon Gibson had never been a part of my life?'.

"All our lives have been made better by him being in it.

"What if we never had his cheeky sense of humour, his fun and his adventures?

"Our lives have undoubtedly been enriched by Gordy.

"Gordon Alexander Gibson you were a wonderful husband, an incredible dad, a fantastic family man, a great friend and a legendary police officer, we will never see your like again.

"We will miss you forever.

"Rest in peace, sleep well and we will love you always."

During the funeral service mourners sang the hymn Make Me A Channel of Your Peace and the service closed with How Great Thou Art.

Reverend Alan Sorensen, who led the service, spoke about the tragedy of Gordon's death and of his devotion to the police service and serving the public.

He added: "Gordon's exemplary police service showed his life was underpinned by a desire to help make the world a better place.

"I would ask that in the weeks and months to come that you take take time to think about Gordon and his family."