TRIBUTES have been paid to the last provost of Renfrew District Council.
Linwood man William Orr, who served in the role between 1992 and 1996, died at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, in Paisley.
The dad-of-six, who was also a grandfather and great-grandfather, rose up through the political ranks of the Labour Party and retired after helping to oversee the transition of Renfrew District Council into Renfrewshire Council.
Among those to pay tribute to Mr Orr, who was 97, is Anne Hall, who succeeded him as provost after the two shared the role during a transition period in 1995.
Ms Hall told The Gazette: “I took over as provost from him and he was a huge help to me during my early time in office. We had an overlap for a year before Renfrew District Council was fully absorbed into Renfrewshire Council.
“He was supportive and really served his community.”
Mr Orr was an active supporter of the Scottish Blood Transfusion Service and a long-serving member of St Conval’s Church, in Linwood.
Councillor Eileen McCartin, who served alongside Mr Orr, said: “I have fond memories of the provost and remember him as a thoroughly decent man.”
Mr Orr’s passing has also been mourned by another of his successors, current provost Lorraine Cameron, who said: “I offer my condolences to his friends and family.”
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