THE grieving family of a 'daredevil' who died in a tragic air accident have spoken movingly of his lifelong love of flying and adventure.

Bill Kerr died last week in a crash in the hills above Greenock and tributes have flooded in since from friends all over the world.

His wife Nora told the Tele that the dad-of-four died doing what he loved.

His family described him as a maverick engineer and inventor who loved life, was devoted to his family and also to those in the greatest need.

During Bill's action-packed life he spent time as a missionary travelling the globe helping others.

He also founded The Haven in Kilmacolm, a rehabilitation centre for those with drug and alcohol addictions.

Retired businessman Bill, who was 77, had already survived two accidents while flying.

His para-motor came down a week ago within sight of his home in Kilmacolm.

His wife of 45-years, Nora, who is 69, speaking along with her two sons and daughters, said: "Bill's lifelong passion was flying and he was finally able to do to it when he started para-motoring at 60.

"He was a bit of a daredevil.

"Bill will be remembered as always fixing things.

"He could fix anything, there was nothing he couldn't do.

"Bill had already had an accident when he broke his leg and it took him a year to recover. "But nothing stopped him.

"He made so many friends from paramotoring."

In the coming months the family hope to bring everyone together for a celebration of his life when the coronvirus pandemic is over.

Daughter Judi, 42, said: "It has been really comforting to see people's tributes.

"I think dad's love of flying with his adventure and his technical side was fulfilled by paramotoring.

"But he was also so kind and that is what so many people remember.

"He would help anyone who needed it.

"He would drop everything to help someone."

Along with her brothers Jonny, 41, Peter, 35, and sister Ruth, 33, the family have been remembering happy times and sharing stories of their dad as they try to come to terms with their sudden loss.

Friends and those from the paramotoring community have also been left devastated by popular Bill's death.

His close friend and flying companion Zebur Mercan said: "I knew Bill for 17 years as a local paramotor enthusiast and close friend.

"He was a devoted man of faith who touched hands and hearts wherever he ventured.

"Bill was a humble, stubborn yet respectful rebel whose zest for life gave us many spectacular days flying over Scotland's stunning landscapes.

"He took pleasure from the simple things nature offered and lived each day to its fullest.

"I will miss him for the rest of my life and remember him always."

A devoted Christian, Bill belonged to the Life Church and lived his faith through helping his community.

As well as his involvement with The Haven, he was involved in Teen Challenge, a charity which helps recovering addicts.

Over the last 30 years they have helped thousands of people beat their addictions.

Born and brought up at the Gryfe Neuk Nursery with his brother Jock and sister Mary, this was where Bill lived his entire life.

As a young adult he went travelling as a missionary to countries such as India, Israel, Afghanistan and Iran.

He later returned home, met and married Nora and built his own home wher the couple brought up their family.

For more than 40 years Bill ran a successful engraving business - Art and Industrial Engraving - making plaques used to commemorate royal openings in places like the Paisley Lagoon.

He sold his business two years ago and devoted his time to his passion for flying.

Son Jonny said: "Wherever dad went he always left the place in a better state than he found it.

"If he went into hospital, he fixed the cupboard doors - he was always fixing things and making it better."

As well as flying, Bill was also a passionate mountain biker and once completed a challenge to ride 100 miles in 24 hours.

A community-minded man to the last, Bill had spent much of his time during the pandemic lockdown collecting around 100 bags of rubbish strewn along his beloved countryside.

His family have asked for people with memories of Bill to contact them by emailing billkerrstories@gmail.com