Tributes to much loved Largs grandfather George Grant

George Grant, 80, suddenly passed away last month, and was well known from his many sporting endeavours to his warm friendships, as well as enjoying a long career at IBM.

Described as "a magnificent husband, dad, father-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, neighbour and friend", George's family have thanked the local community for all their support at this very sad time.

George was born in Glasgow on February 26, 1943.

He came from a very close, loving and busy family of six - including Alex, Donald, Stewart, Colin and Maggie - and enjoyed a happy childhood and went to school in Largs where he met Robina, and they went on to become school sweethearts.

Engaged in 1962, George and Bina were married on September 9, 1964 at St John’s Church in Largs, and had 59 happy years of happy marriage together.

George and Bina happily married for 59 years (Image: Grant family)
Leaving school at the age of 15 before going to Kilmarnock Tech to train as a radio and television engineer, George worked for Frasers Garage in the TV and radio department, before becoming a television engineer manager at Visionhire.

In 1973 he started working for IBM in Greenock and remained there until his retiral.

Son Jonathan was born in 1971 and daughter Tamsen in 1975, followed by four grandchildren, Genna, Ben, Luke and Ruby, and great grand children Kerys and Roma

Daughter Tamsen said in her eulogy: "He loved his work and the people he worked with.

"He was never off sick, in late or half hearted. He just got up for work on time every day, always providing us with a warm home, good food and family holidays.

"During his working life dad played sport every night. Badminton, squash and golf took up his time. 

"And there are stories of friendship, cricket, fishing, squash, badminton, sailing, golf, bowls, gardening, green keeping, cards, parties, pantos, Addresses to the Haggis, holidays, being Santa Claus and helping at the Boys' Brigade. 

"Stories and memories of a life well lived, and always with kindness and a smile."

As well as winning many competitions and featuring on top of the squash league, George also had a passion for gardening and won the much-coveted Blue Ribbon prize at the Rothesay flower show for his sweet peas.

Tamsen described her father as "a true sportsman, gentleman and modest man, always.'

In 2000 George became the captain at Largs Golf Club, and joined brother Colin, a local publican, in hitting the first ball of the new millennium at the first tee of Kelburn.

In 2001 George retired from IBM and took on a part time job in Dunfermline as a test engineer for an electronics company, and also joined Fairlie Bowling Club, which he adored.

George fully immersed himself in club business, serving as president in 2006, organising events such as the popular plant sale and working with committee members to see the new clubhouse to completion, and was well known as the panto dame in the club's annual theatrical production.

Tamsen said in her eulogy: "We have immense gratitude for Fairlie Bowling Club and its members. You loved dad and mum as much as we do, and this was evident when they needed you most. Thank you."

She added: "One of the last things dad said to me was ‘I did my best’. It is very clear to see that dad did more, much more than his best. 

"He lived his life to the full, right up until the very day he died, very much like every other aspect – if you are going to play, play to win.

"Dad loved all the people in his life and he spoke of everyone with kindness, always.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank our family, friends and whole community for the genuine outpouring of love for dad after he passed so suddenly.  

"You will never know how much it has meant to us."