There was a military send-off, including a Marine bugler, at the funeral service of Joe Armour of Millport at Greenock Crematorium, writes Drew Cochrane.
A former Royal Marine with the 42 Commando Sea Going Unit and, then, Marine Reserves Joe, who was born in Greenock in 1936, had lived with wife Mary on the island of Cumbrae for the past two decades.
Spiritualist officiant Chris Batchelor, who conducted the service, spoke of Joe (81) as a popular, humorous man with a great personality. He had lived through the blitz in Greenock where he became a delivery boy, Post Office telegram boy on his BSA 250 Bantam motorbike, and joined the Marine Cadets.
He married Mary in 1960 (Mary Armour is one of Britain's leading mediums) and they brought up the family of Alison, Aily and Gordon.
Joe retired on his 60th birthday, after 45 years with the GPO and British Telecom and the couple travelled around the world to meet friends, some linked to Mary's invitations as a spiritualist demonstrator.
As a dog-lover, and Papa to grand-daughters Stephanie, Nicola and Georgia he enjoyed family life in Millport. As a former talented rower he maintained his interest in boats and 'Westering Home' was played and sung at the funeral.
As a well-loved member of the Royal British Legion in Millport Joe's coffin was adorned with the Legion flag. Along with younger brother Gerry he was a familiar, popular figure on the island.