TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved Largs grandfather who dedicated decades of his own life to help save other people's.

David Macdonald, served in a number of sporting, cultural and community groups, and was well known to many as a president of Largs Bowling Club, and captain at Largs Golf Club.

But it was his work as an emergency first responder and heart-start instructor that won him a special place in the heart of the community.

David successfully battled bladder cancer ten years ago but in 2019 was was diagnosed with lung cancer and bravely battled the condition.

He passed away suddenly aged 77 in his family home in Alexander Walk last Saturday.

One of David's proudest achievements was serving as a volunteer and trainer in the Largs First Responders from 2003 to 2018 after working as an instructor for the British Red Cross for many years.

He served with the Largs Boys' Brigade as an officer and treasurer and he was one of the founder members of Largs Colts Football Club in the 1970s.

A former police constable, David was stationed in Largs in 1969 and moved to Alexander Walk which became the family home.

The former police constable is survived by four children David, Elaine, Lynda and Iain, as well as seven grandchildren.

After losing first wife Helen, David found love again and married Anne, who this week paid tribute to him.

She said: "David was a true professional and an amazing man.

"On Christmas Day a few years ago, we had all the family round and someone phoned David after their mother in law had cut their hand and needed to go to hospital.

"David didn't hesitate and got his coat on and rushed off to help. That showed you how devoted he was to helping others.

"David was a heart-start instructor and did his last CPR class for a group in Skelmorlie two days before he passed away. He trained up countless people in CPR and believed that everybody should have knowledge and awareness of the skill."

In recent years, David has been a valued member of the Largs Dementia-Friendly group.

As well as a keen Burns devotee, David was a keen member of the local amateur dramatics scene and was involved in Largs Players and Operatic as a stage manager in numerous productions.

He chaired the Brisbane Queen committee, which he served on for 25 years, and was also a volunteer with the Largs Agricultural Society and a church elder at Clark Memorial.

Anne said: "I am very moved by all the heartwarming messages of support which the family have received since David's passing.

"He had a very positive outlook on life - he made me laugh every single day - and always had a genuine interest in people.

"David was tremendously proud of his children and he passed on his passion for golf to the boys. He had his last full round at Largs Golf Club just a week before he died. "He was always a very happy person, dedicated to helping others and lived his life to the full to the very last minute."

David's funeral takes place at the Clark Memorial Church at 2pm on June 17, and then onwards to Largs Crematorium and Largs Golf Club.