ONE of the founders of successful family firm Gibb Stuart Home Hardware has passed away.

Hugh Alexander Gibb Stuart, who helped to substantially grow the business, died at the age of 93.

The family has shops in Kilmacolm and neighbouring Bridge of Weir.

Hugh worked alongside his father William and brother James to develop the business from a painting and decorating operation to include ironmongery and paint finishing.

The industrial side of the business prospered in Port Glasgow and Greenock between the 1950s and 1980s.

Hugh's son, Sandy, today paid tribute to his father.

He said: "His passion was for hardware retailing, running the two shops in Bridge of Weir and Kilmacolm and along the way being recognised for his contributions to the trade through the British Hardware Federation.

"He became the national president in 1988.

"The highlight of his working career was the opening of the purpose-built store in Bridge of Weir in June 1993 which he ran with me well into his 80s."

The original premises opened in Kilmacolm in 1880, followed by the Bridge of Weir store in 1885.

Hugh was a time-served painter and he enlisted in the Black Watch during the Second World War in January 1944.

He saw active service in Somaliland, now Ethiopia and was a NCO.

He returned from the conflict in October 1947 and threw himself into running the family business.

Mr Gibb Stuart continued working in the Bridge of Weir store and only took a back seat to care for his wife Rena.

His son said: "Latterly poor eyesight robbed him of a better quality of life.

"He loved helping people to solve problems and was the epitome of customer service."

Sandy, the family and staff say they've been overwhelmed by kind messages of condolence.

The funeral was held in Clyde Coast Crematorium on May 21 with only close family allowed.

Sandy posted a video clip of one of his father's favourite sketches of the Two Ronnies on the shop's Facebook page to raise a smile with friends and customers alike.

He said: "As we are not allowed to celebrate in a normal manner, we thought we would have a wee smile with him at one of his favourite comedy sketches."

Hugh is also survived by daughters Katrena and Fiona and grandchildren Gary, Cameron and Katherine.