THE grieving widow of a much-loved Greenock man who tragically died following a fall outside Inverclyde Royal has told of the devastation of her loss.

Pensioner Colin Bonar was knocked off his feet by a strong gust of wind, hitting his head on the ground.

Sadly he never recovered after the accident and passed away just two days later.

His proud wife May has told the Tele about her husband's life of devotion to his family, neighbours and his community in the east end.

During the Covid pandemic the 76-year-old became an ambassador for the Children in Poverty Inverclyde (CIPI) charity, helping to ensure no family was left isolated or alone.

May, 78, from Clynder Road, said: "Colin was such a wonderful man.

"He cared about everyone.

"He was a gentleman who looked after me.

"I just want people to know what an incredible man he was.

"He loved the east end and was born in Belville Street.

"On the day of his funeral the streets were lined with people to pay their respects."

Colin had diabetes and he was going to the hospital for a check-up when tragedy struck.

May said: "It was the first time he had been for a while because of Covid.

"He came out from his appointment and was knocked over by a gust of wind.

"When he fell he hit his head."

The family rushed to the hospital after they were called.

Doctors told them that they couldn't operate and Colin never recovered from his injuries.

He passed away on February 25.

May suffers from a number of complex health conditions and has had a remarkable 55 operations over the years.

She said: "Colin cared for me every single day and was always worried about me.

"We all miss him so much."

Community-minded Colin donated hundreds of pounds over the years to CIPI both personally and through the 175 Club.

During the coronavirus crisis he helped the charity look after local people, giving particular help to a family of refugees and others in his neighbourhood.

Children in Poverty chairman and long-time friend Pat Burke said: "Our charity was saddened to learn of Colin's death.

"He was one of our neighbourhood co-ordinators.

"He identified many east end families for food and clothing donations and was a real people's person."

The family man was also devoted to a young neighbour, seven-year-old girl Jessica Glover, who suffers from multiple disabilities and a brain tumour.

Her mum Karen said: "Colin was always there to help us in whatever way he could and he was so funny too.

"We will miss him so much.

"He was great with Jessica."

Childhood sweethearts Colin and May both grew up in Belville Street and were married for nearly 55 years, raising their sons Stuart and William.

He was hugely proud of both - William, who travels the world as an expert in semiconductors and electronics, and Stuart, a businessman.

Colin started off working life in Kincaid's before moving to Coulport.

He later worked for Haven Products, supporting adults with learning disabilities.

May said: "He really loved working there, it was so close to his heart."

At the same time May worked at Hillend Nursery, caring for children.

In his later years Colin won admiration when he ended up in the Tele as he went seeking work in his latter years, securing employment with a local convenience store and ending up managing three shops.

May added: "That was Colin, he just couldn't sit still."