TRIBUTES have been paid to one of Neilston’s best-known residents after he died just weeks short of his 81st birthday.

Eddie Glasper, who was diagnosed with cancer in January, died last Friday at Accord Hospice, in Paisley, where he had been for four weeks.

His wife Anne paid tribute to her husband, describing him as “a true gentleman who was liked and respected by everyone who knew him.”

Tributes were also paid by Neilston Bowling Club, where Eddie had been a member for 20 years, holding key positions such as president, match secretary and social convener.

Anne told the Barrhead News: “He was a very keen player and put his heart and soul into everything he touched. He derived great satisfaction from seeing the club winning trophies during his time there.

“He was a very successful social convener and also match secretary, a position he still held until his death.

“Eddie was president in 2013 and he was due to take on the presidency again but had to decline due to ill health.”

Anne, who married Eddie in 2005, is also a keen bowler and was lady president in 2013, 2015 and 2017.

Born in Middlesbrough in 1939, the young Eddie came to Neilston in 1951 when the family moved north and he soon became a popular figure, working initially as a driver for local funeral directors Moodie & Co and then as a taxi driver at Glasgow Airport.

He had two sons, Derek and Kenneth, from a previous marriage, as well as five grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Neilston Bowling Club paid tribute to Eddie on its Facebook page, saying he was totally dedicated to the club and a great worker and skip for the indoor and outdoor teams.

Eddie’s funeral will take place at Woodside Crematorium, in Paisley, on Monday but, due to current restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, will be for close family only.