Tributes to Iain
Published 15 Jun 2011 09:30
THE Gazette is sad to announce the passing of our Linwood Down Your Way correspondent Iain Wilson.
Iain had a long association with the newspaper stretching back to 1971, when it was called the Linwood Gazette.
He took over from the original correspondent, a councillor named Barry Parker, who gave up the role of reporter because he felt it was a conflict of interest.
Tom McConigley, editorial manager for The Gazette, said: "Our thoughts are with Iain's family at this difficult time.
"His passing marks the end of an era for the newspaper, as Iain was one of our longest standing contributors."
Iain and his wife Sadie were married for 57 years and had three children, nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren who all live nearby.
The family moved to Linwood from the East coast in 1970.
Although he had previously done some writing, Iain's interest in journalism blossomed after moving to Renfrewhsire.
He initially wrote up to 3,000 words a week for the paper, but latterly he had been contributing around 1,000 words for every edition.
He took a strong interest in the local community and was a familiar face around town and at meetings of various groups.
Ian Johnstone served with Iain on Linwood Community Council for 18 years.
Paying tribute, Ian said: "He was so active in so many ways and he will be sorely missed. Many people may not even realise the contribution he made to the community.
"He was a very private person, he didn't seek awards or glory.
"I asked him once if I could nominate him for an award, but he just said 'No, that's not why I do things.'
"Recently, I met a man at Crieff Hydro who knew Iain from his days down the pits.
"The man's name was Sam Campbell, and he told me to give Ian his best, but I didn't get the chance to pass on the message. Sam's memory of Iain was that 'Iain was a very clever laddie'."
Kirtsy Flannigan from the Linwood Coalition group said: "It is very sad to hear of the passing of Iain Wilson.
"Iain will be sorely missed for the informative work he delivered for Linwood.
"His 'Down Your Way' column in the Gazette was a tool that was very valuable to our community not to mention the dedication, commitment and passion Iain had to make our community a better, more prosperous place to live." Anne Coyle also worked with Iain on the community council.
She said: "It is a great loss to the community.
"I was one of the founders of the community council in the 60's, and I remember Iain when he came along to meetings as a cub reporter.
"He worked so hard and did so much for Linwood - he had so much energy and time to commit to it.
"He was a good man and he will be sorely missed."
This article appeared in The Gazette 15 Jun 11
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