A LARGS mother has paid tribute to her son, who has died aged just 42.

Robert Donaldson was well known in the town, along with his brother Campbell.

Robert’s mother Mary wrote: “Everyone in the town knew Robert, saying hello and chatting to everyone.

“Of course, the chat was about boats, that was his life.” Robert was a pupil at Largs Academy who ‘loved all his subjects’, Mary told us.

He then went to Warsash Maritime Academy in Southampton where he got his HND, followed by a his RYA yachtmaster offshore power training.

“He crewed many of the world’s largest yachts and sent back letters from all over the world,” Mrs Donaldson said.

Robert then passed for the Royal Fleet Artillery and also worked for Caledonian MacBrayne for several years.

“He got on with everyone. One of the people he really looked up to was Andrew Horne. They had great times together and always knew Andrew was on the other end of the phone for him.

“I will miss him so much, as will his brother Campbell. He was a treasure but is at rest now.

“I want to thank everyone who has been so kind to me., especially Jack, Allister Houston, Andrew Horne, Mary at Hendry’s taxis and Michael at MJ removals.” Robert passed away at Inverclyde Royal Hospital on August 2.