FAMILY and friends have paid tribute to a respected Barrhead businessman and charity worker after he tragically collapsed and died.

Chris Hughes, 55, took ill while out for an evening stroll with his wife Marion in the town’s Grahamston Road on October 1.

He was rushed to the Royal Alexandra Hospital but did not regain consciousness.

Although born in Johnstone, Chris was raised in Barrhead and lived in Auchenback for many years before settling in the Cross Stobs area of town.

A quantity surveyor to trade, he worked with several building companies, including Wimpey, before becoming a director of local firm Albar Landscapes.

Chris was also a prominent Barrhead Rotarian.

Close friend Douglas Yates said: “Everyone is shocked by Chris’s sudden death.

“Anyone who knew him would describe him in glowing terms as a big, friendly, likeable man who would do anything for anyone.

“For the last two years, he was a trustee of the Levern Valley Defibrillator Community Partnership (LVDCP).

“He was very passionate about the need to site defibrillators in Barrhead which the public could easily access.

“Chris’s own life was saved by a defibrillator after he suffered a cardiac arrest in a gym in Paisley in 2017.

“He campaigned for all housebuilders to install defibrillator points in new homes.”

Chris is survived by his son Chris junior, daughter Sam and two young grandchildren, Sophie and Ethan.

He also leaves behind a twin brother Paul, who is a paramedic, and two younger sisters, Kathryn and Angela.

Douglas added: “Everyone knew of Chris’s love for his family and he doted on Sophie and Ethan. He also loved karaoke and could regularly be seen at the Brig Inn, performing his favourite party piece.”

Marc Jones, who is Chris’s son-in-law also paid tribute.

“He had a great sense of humour and hilarious banter,” said Marc.

A funeral service for Chris was held yesterday and he was laid to rest in Neilston Cemetery.

His family is honouring his memory by continuing his work with the LVDCP.

A JustGiving page will be set up to raise funds and an annual event will take place in his name to pay for the devices to be maintained.