William piped to his final resting place

A popular and well-known Blantyre man has passed away at the age of 84.

Dozens of friends, family and neighbours gathered as William Barrett received a piped procession from his home in Auchinraith Terrace to his final resting place at South Lanarkshire Crematorium last Tuesday, February 5 .

William, who was diagnosed with dementia six years ago, suffered a fall on Boxing Day which resulted in him undergoing an operation on his brain in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in January.

He was later transferred to the University Hospital Hairmyres in East Kilbride.

He later passed away at his home on January 28, surrounded by his family.

The former military police officer met his wife Jean (nee Fitzpatrick) when they both worked on the buses, William as a driver and Jean as a bus conductress.

The couple enjoyed a happy life together and William, a keen Celtic fan, was known to spend many an hour in the Blantyre Welfare with his friends.

Sadly his wife and son Peter passed away in March 2000 and February 2012 respectively.

He is survived by children James, Thomas, Anne, Ruth, Lizanne, and his nine grandchildren.

The Barrett family wish to extend their thanks to the local community for all of their kind words and support at this sad time.

Also to grandchildren Laura Anne and Shannon who read a poem and to Liam for his reading at the funeral.