POIGNANT tributes have been paid to a much-loved community champion known by many as ‘Mr Renfrew.’

Charlie Newlands MBE passed away at the age of 77 on Sunday, May 29, after a 12-year battle with cancer.

He combined a career in building services with extensive public service to Renfrew, such as helping to organise countless gala days, Hogmanay celebrations, Scouting events and other community gatherings.

His son Charles told The Gazette: “My dad was an exceptional person and great mentor who was revered and adored by everyone he met.

“He first came to Renfrew when he was 14, after he cycled there from Priesthill, where he grew up. He arrived in St Andrew’s Road and loved it so much that he decided he was going to make it his life’s mission to come and live here, which he did for 55 years.”

The Gazette: Charlie helped organise Enable Scotland's summer fete in Renfrew every yearCharlie helped organise Enable Scotland's summer fete in Renfrew every year

In 1972, Charlie became secretary of the Renfrew branch of ENABLE Scotland, which supports families who have children with learning difficulties.

He would remain in this role for the next 50 years, as well as holding a number of other positions of responsibility, such as Sunday School teacher and superintendent at Renfrew North Parish Church for 35 years.

Charlie also served as a magistrate at District Court level for a quarter of a century.

Over the last two decades, he helped to build a school and provide a fresh water supply to the people of Morabie, in Sierra Leone.

The Gazette: On Charlie's last trip to Sierra Leone in 2018, he was met with a full parade of cheering students and a brass bandOn Charlie's last trip to Sierra Leone in 2018, he was met with a full parade of cheering students and a brass band

Closer to home, his generosity was appreciated by local people who benefited as he gave away thousands of apple crumbles, made from fruit picked from a tree in his back garden.

His tireless voluntary work led to him receiving many honours, including being named Renfrew Citizen of the Year in 1993, an MBE for services to the town in 2004 and honorary life membership to ENABLE Scotland in 2012.

Paisley and Renfrewshire North MP Gavin Newlands said: “Charlie was a force of nature and it’s no exaggeration to say he was the driving force behind so much in the community over the years but especially his work with ENABLE.

“The annual summer fete organised by ENABLE became a Renfrew institution over the years, much like Charlie himself.

The Gazette: Charlie received an MBE from the Queen in 2004Charlie received an MBE from the Queen in 2004

“He was ‘Mr Renfrew’ and our community is all the poorer for his passing.”

Charlie is survived by his wife June, four sons, 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

His funeral will take place at Renfrew North Parish Church at 10am on Monday, June 13, thereafter to the Hurlet Crematorium, in Barrhead, at noon.

As per his wishes, mourners are asked not to bring flowers or wear black ties.