105 years of happiness ... and lots of porridge
Centenarian who lived life to the full passes away
The remarkable life of Buddie Neil McNeil is being celebrated after he sadly passed away at the grand age of 105.
The centenarian, who was a retired antiques dealer, died peacefully in his sleep at Elderslie Care Home this week.
Neil was born in 1911, before the outbreak of the First World War. He lived a fascinating life and even made history.
The former greyhound breeder earned the title of Renfrewshire’s oldest voter in 2015, when he was determined to cast his ballot as the nation went to the polls, even at the ripe age of 103.
The great-grandad-of-four, who formerly lived in Blythswood Drive, credited porridge to the secret of his long life.
He enjoyed a bowl of oats every morning and was even known to request a second bowl as a midnight snack.
And, after hearing of his affinity to the traditional dish, his favourite porridge manufacturer Scott’s sent him boxes and boxes of the oaty breakfast for his 104th birthday.
Born in Paisley, Neil began his working life at his dad’s coal business, before becoming the local bus driver at the incredibly young age of just 14.
Before the outbreak of the Second World War, he moved to London with his brother and joined the Ministry of Defence.
He and his wife Margaret moved back to Neil’s hometown and opened a furniture business in Underwood Road after 1942.
The pair went on to open a string of shops and enjoyed lucrative success within the local business community.
The Paisley man went on to celebrate his final years in style.
In 2011, after receiving a birthday telegraph from the Queen, Neil enjoyed his 100th birthday bash at a plush log cabin in Loch Lomond, arriving at the location in a luxury stretch limo.
In his down time, the Rangers fan enjoyed watching the football and listening to his radio.
Neil was seldom ill and spent the last four years of his life living happily in his local care home.
He passed in the early hours of Tuesday with his family around him, after being unable to fully recover from a series of infections which he suffered in the past year.
His proud daughter, Sheila Mulligan, said her father had a long and happy life.
She told:“We are all very proud of my father. He lived a happy and healthy life for many, many years.
“I don’t quite know what I’ll do without him.
“He was, and will always be, a very well thought of man.”
Neil’s funeral will take place on Tuesday, at Woodside Cemetery Paisley.
He was a very well thought of man Sheila Mulligan