Tributes to 'oldest paperboy in town'

Published 11 Feb 2010 09:39 0 Comments

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POPULAR: William was well-known in Barrhead

By Ewan McInnes

A WELL-known face in Barrhead has sadly passed away in his home.

William Arthur - known to many Barrhead residents as 'the oldest paper boy in town' - suffered a fatal heart attack and was found in his home by his neighbours in Craighead Way on Saturday afternoon.

William's family have spoken of their sadness at his passing, but told how his battling spirit and humour were admired by many.

His youngest brother Tom, 59, told the Barrhead News: "He had bad health for a good number of years but he had been battling it.

"When he had heart problems in 1987 or 88 they gave him six months to live, but he was still alive 20 years later.

"Wullie was a very kind hearted man.

"He lived in Australia for a while and was in the Australian army.

"While there he was awarded a citizen's medal for saving a guy from drowning in the 70s.

"He came back in 1982 and was diagnosed with cancer in 1988 and was probably the oldest paper boy in Barrhead.

"He had a bad fall at Christmas but I don't think that had anything to do with [his passing]."

For more than 10 years William, 69, a coachbuilder by trade, delivered newspapers throughout Barrhead for Hickey's newsagent on Cross Arthurlie Street before moving to A and M newsagents on Main Street.

Tom, speaking of the fond memories he has of his big brother, added: "William was a keen fisherman and I remember one time he got a hook caught in his thumb and I thought we would need to take him to hospital, but he took it out by himself using a trick he had learnt in Australia.

"He lived out in the bush there and I wouldn't go as far as to say he was like Crocodile Dundee but he was close to it.

"I am sure he would have liked to go back to Australia but he just couldn't make it over.

"He did the papers because he wanted kept busy and I know a lot of customers were fond of him.

"I just don't know how to find the words but I just wish we had more time to go fishing together."

Born in Lowndes Street, Barrhead, in 1940, William leaves behind two other wee brothers, Robert and Compton, eight nephews and nieces. He would have turned 70 on February 22.

He has has two sons and a grandson in Australia, who are unlikely to make his funeral.

William's family have said they will take care of his much loved dog Floyd and his pet cat. The funeral for William Thomas Palmer Arthur, who will be buried next to his parents, will be attended by immediate family only, but Barrhead residents are welcome to the burial service, which will take place in Neilston Cemetery at 1.50pm on Friday.

This article appeared in Barrhead News 10 Feb 10

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