So much more than music
Gary Watson was on the cusp of stardom with top record labels vying to sign him and his bandmates in The Lapelles.
And the young musician’s star quality shone through from his earliest days at Calderglen High when, in third year, he won the school’s prestigious annual talent contest.
But it wasn’t just his musical ability that made Gary one of the most popular pupils at the school.
He was totally immersed in every aspect of school life and was one of the first pupils at Calderglen to sign up for their award-winning befrienders project.
The project at Calderglen saw him volunteer to be paired up to offer friendship and support to many older residents in the town.
He would spend time helping them around the house, or would call in just to have a chat and end their feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Avril Anderson, who coordinates the befrienders scheme, told the News:“This has come as such a shock.
“Gary was one of our first befrienders and was such a lovely young man.
“He was a tremendous asset to the project and such a great help.
“Everywhere he went, he had his guitar with him and music was his life.
“I still can’t believe this has happened and my thoughts go to Gary’s family and friends.”
John Hoey, who also worked with Avril in the befrienders project, said:“This is devastating news, Gary was such a pleasant and talented young man who I saw playing his guitar around East Kilbride many a time.
“It is really very sad and I remember him with nothing but great fondness.”
Liz White, head teacher at Calderglen High, said:“The Calderglen school community is in shock after receiving the news of the tragic death of former pupil GaryWatson.
“Gary will be remembered with much fondness as a great pupil, kind, considerate, charming and always with a wonderful smile.
“He had a great sense of humour and a passionate love and talent for music.
“Staff recall him constantly with his guitar, a well-liked young man who had time for everybody. Gary contributed to his community as a befriender in our first ever year of becoming involved in the Befriending Project through what was at the time a Triple V project.
“Our sincere condolences go to Gary’s family and friends.”
As news spread of Gary’s tragic death, friends and fans gathered at Calderglen Country Park on Monday night for a candlelit vigil where his songs were played in remembrance.
Kind, considerate… always with a wonderful smile