Heartfelt tributes paid to basketball player and coach William McLaren
TRIBUTES have been paid following the passing of a beloved husband, father, law graduate and basketball player/coach William Maclaren.
His club played homage to the local basketball legend just before his funeral on Tuesday, September 13.
William passed away following a short battle with cancer and his funeral was held in the High Kirk in Stevenston before a short service at Ardrossan Cemetery.
He was known to love his trainers, specifically Nike Jordan’s, and those who attended were welcome to wear their own as a small mark of respect.
The Ayrshire Hospice were “amazing” during William’s sudden deterioration, and the family decided to hold a collection at the funeral to pass onto the hospice “to acknowledge the amazing work they do”.
In an emotional social media statement on the day of William’s funeral, his basketball club, the Ayrshire Tornadoes, paid their respects.
The club said: “Today is the day we lay our friend, coach and teammate William Maclaren to rest after his short battle with cancer.
“As you can imagine we are all hurting and there are no words to express the sadness we are feeling. It all happened so quickly and just feels surreal.
“Members from the club past and present will be attending the funeral today to say a final farewell to a man who was an integral part of starting the club we all know and love.
“Our thoughts are with Shona, Thea and Mason and the rest of the family and close friends today and know that through all your special memories together, his love will live in your hearts forever.
“It all started with a simple hello, but sadly ended with an unfair goodbye.”
Tributes have come pouring in ever since, to the man branded a “Stevenston Sabres Legend” for his time playing basketball with the club previously.
William’s employers, Confida FM where he led the Ayr company’s IT department, said: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved assistant director William MacLaren.
““He will be sorely missed, but his legacy, drive and commitment will live on at Confida FM. “Our thoughts go out to his friends and family.”