Russell Young of Kilbarchan is remembered by village

Russell Young, who passed away last month at the age of 75, helped to organise the annual Lilias Day celebrations, as well helping to launch a church choir.

Originally from East Lothian, Mr Young moved to Kilbarchan with his wife Jean in 1968.

The couple, who recently celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, still lived in the same house in Clochoderick Avenue.

Hundreds of people packed into Kilbarchan Parish Church for Mr Young's funeral.

*Close friend, Willie Beattie described him as a “man who was always smiling with a kind word for everyone.”

“Russell worked at the Royal Alexandria Hospital where he also trained student nurses," said Willie.

"He was the sort of person who would take time out to speak with everyone.”

“He was involved in so many groups and committees in the village but he was never too busy to stop and talk. Some people get involved in many things and like to take over. But not Russell.

“He helped initiate different events and would volunteer when no one else would. However, he was not the sort of person to hog the limelight. He was always encouraging others and happy to step back when they got involved.”

Ann Grieve, chair of the Old Library in the village said Russell was a frequent visitor.

“He had a great love of genealogy and we would call on Russell whenever someone was trying to trace family members,” she explained.

“There were a number of people at the church for his funeral who had travelled from all over Scotland. They were people he had helped trace their family history and they wanted to come and express their gratitude and pay their respects to him.

“We loved when Russell popped into the library for a cup of tea and a chat. He always had a smile on his face and cheered everyone up.”

Added Willie: "Russell was a strong supporter of the annual Kilbarchan Lilias Day which is held in June. He helped with the parade and various organising roles.

"He also helped launch the church choir which still performs every Sunday and at various other events. Russell loved the guitar and supported various folk music events.

"He received a Long Service Certificate from the Church of Scotland.”

ends

Originally from East Lothian, Russell moved with wife Jean, who was from Glasgow, to Kilbarchan in 1968.

The couple, who recently celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary, still lived in the same house in Clochoderick Avenue.

After leaving school, Russell held several jobs before going on to train as a psychiatric nurse.

Close friend, Willie Beattie described him as a “man who was always smiling with a kind word for everyone.”

“Russell worked at the Royal Alexandria Hospital where he also trained student nurses," said Willie.

"He was the sort of person who would take time out to speak with everyone.”

“He was involved in so many groups and committees in the village but he was never too busy to stop and talk. Some people get involved in many things and like to take over. But not Russell.

“He helped initiate different events and would volunteer when no one else would. However, he was not the sort of person to hog the limelight. He was always encouraging others and happy to step back when they got involved.”

Ann Grieve, chair of the Old Library in the village said Russell was a frequent visitor.

“He had a great love of genealogy and we would call on Russell whenever someone was trying to trace family members,” she explained.

“There were a number of people at the church for his funeral who had travelled from all over Scotland. They were people he had helped trace their family history and they wanted to come and express their gratitude and pay their respects to him.

“We loved when Russell popped into the library for a cup of tea and a chat. He always had a smile on his face and cheered everyone up.”

Added Willie: "Russell was a strong supporter of the annual Kilbarchan Lilias Day which is held in June. He helped with the parade and various organising roles.

"He also helped launch the church choir which still performs every Sunday and at various other events. Russell loved the guitar and supported various folk music events.

"He received a Long Service Certificate from the Church of Scotland.”

. Hundreds of people crammed into Kilbarchan Church on Wednesday, November 23, where he was described as “someone who had a kind word for everyone.”

They were joined by his wife, Jean, and two daughters, Susan and Fiona. Russell's son-in-law, the Revd. Stephen Smith, minister of the church, gave the eulogy.

Added Willie: "Russell was a strong supporter of the annual Kilbarchan Lilias Day which is held in June. He helped with the parade and various organising roles.

"He also helped launch the church choir which still performs every Sunday and at various other events. Russell loved the guitar and supported various folk music events.

"He received a Long Service Certificate from the Church of Scotland.”