Published: Wednesday, 30th December, 2009 3:22pm

Touching farewell to town stalwart

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BARRHEAD was in mourning on Christmas Eve as a popular freeman of the town was laid to rest.

Walter McCready, a former Provost of Barrhead and also of the old Renfrew District Council, passed away on Sunday December 20, aged 89.

Over 200 residents and local dignitaries joined the McCready family in celebrating the life of Walter at the service conducted by Father Stephen Baillie in St John's Church, on Aurs Road.

Walter was buried at St Conval's next to his wife Katie's grave and left behind three children, his eldest child Catherine, David and youngest Margaret.

He had five grandchildren - Rhona, Bernard, Raymond, David and Chris and 16-year-old grandchild Toni.

Walter's son David, a director of Riverclyde Homes, lives in Barrhead with his wife Maureen and their two sons David and Chris.

Speaking on behalf of the McCready family, David would like to thank all those who attended the service, MPs, MSPs, Councillors [past and present] members of the public and the staff from Westlea Care Home whose presence gave great comfort to the whole family at a difficult time.

Last week in the Barrhead News, Provost Alec Mackie paid tribute to Walter labelling him 'a Barrhead man through and through'. Walter, a councillor in local communities throughout East Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire for 33 years, was particularly passionate about his role in Barrhead. Trusted and respected in the town for the good work he regularly did for others, friends described representing and caring for his constituents as his greatest pleasure, and something he never really viewed as a job.

Speaking after the funeral, Deputy Provost Betty Cunningham added: "It is with great sadness that I heard of Walter's passing.

"With him goes an era in the history of the town and of local politics. Walter was a thorough gentleman who commanded the respect of all whom he knew, regardless of party or background.

"My deepest sympathy lies with his family and friends at this sad time but they can take great comfort from a life well-lived and lived for others."

Married for 63 years, Walter was a fun-loving family man, and companions paid their tributes - citing him as a great father and wonderful friend. The eldest of a family of five, Walter was no stranger to hard work, and always paid heed to others happiness - even arranging an audience with the previous pontiff, Pope John Paul II, for a colleague and himself when they paid their customery visit to Rome.

A large family, coupled with a childhood in the midst of the 1930s depression, helped shape Walter's thinking on the idea of social justice, and cemented his dedication to helping those in need.

Christine Ritchie, head of the McCready Family Centre - named after Walter - paid tribute to the 89-year-old on behalf of all the staff and families at the facility which provides support for young families.

She said: "It was with great sadness when I heard of Walter's death. He was always so kind and interested in the families who attend our Family Centre that was named in his honour. He will be sadly missed by everyone. Our thought and prayers are with his family at this sad time."