Tributes to BB stalwart
since he joined at five years old. He had such a passion for young people and wanted to help them develop and grow in confidence.
“He was so loyal to his company, 2nd Wishaw, and helped out over the 45 years he was a member.
“He was so proud when our son, Daniel, joined 2nd Wishaw and became a BB member. I remember how happy he was.”
Mr Russell was also a musician and was a member of the Wishaw and District Brigade band, where he was a percussion tutor.
He was in the band for more than 30 years and had seen it go from strength to strength, winning competitions and playing all across the UK.
Bill Taggerty, Stuart’s friend and fellow officer at 2nd Wishaw, spoke very highly of his musicianship and passion for young people.
He said:“Stuart was a key member of the band for nearly four decades, from failed teenage flautist to the rock at the heart of the band. He has done all of the heavy lifting for many years and he is quite simply irreplaceable.
“On a personal note, I am lucky to have been able to call Stuart my friend and I know there is a huge list of people who will say the same.”
Ronnie Millar, Captain of 2nd Wishaw Boys Brigade, also paid tribute and said: “Stuart was a massive part of 2nd Wishaw and was always willing to help us whenever he was needed.
“He made a huge impression on the boys and had a genuine love for helping young people. He will be greatly missed. There was no one was quite like him.”
Stuart’s funeral took place on Tuesday, May 10, and Maureen added:“It was a lovely service and a fitting tribute to Stuart. I didn’t realise how many people were there until we met in Wishaw Golf Club afterward. So many people had such beautiful tributes to say about him.”