A beloved grandad collapsed and died suddenly while working as a security guard in East Kilbride, leaving his family 'devastated'.
Robert Harrigan had complained of heartburn while on shift as a security guard at Edinburgh House in the town centre on Friday. Then, as he was doing his rounds of the office building, the 64-year-old suddenly dropped to floor.
The grandad-of-five, from Pollok, was found by one of the property's tenants who performed CPR while paramedics rushed to the scene, but he was sadly pronounced dead a short time later.
Robert's heartbroken family described him as a 'gentle giant' who was a huge Rangers fan and well known for his love of nature.
Step-daughter Marie Borland said Robert's wife Linda first realised something was wrong when he never returned home from work.
The 42-year-old said: "He gave my mum a cup of tea at 6am and kissed her goodbye then went to work.
"My mum phoned him at 10.30am to see how his day was going and he said he had heartburn and bought a bottle of Gaviscon for it. He moaned about the price of the bottle, which was very like him. My mum asked how the pain was again and he said it was terrible.
"Robert never told anyone about the pain before because he wouldn't want us to worry. He'd rather take it on himself rather than make anyone worry.
"He never came home at 6.15pm and my mum tried to phone him and he never answered. She told my brother, Colin, that he hadn't come home.
"The next minute police arrived at her door and told us that there was an accident at his work and he collapsed and passed away.
"I phoned his work and they told me he was doing his rounds as normal then the next minute he just collapsed in the corridor, and one of the tenants of the building found him and started CPR. They are all devastated at his work because he went above and beyond for others.
"Nobody should go to work and not come home."
Robert had been married to Linda for 24 years and was a beloved dad and grandad.
Marie added: "He was great and always there when you needed him.
"Everybody that met Robert would say he was a big, soft, gentle giant who was there for the family. Robert being the only Rangers fan in the family meant he took the brunt of the jokes during Old Firm games.
"He always took it in good spirit and there was always a good atmosphere around him."
Robert doted on his five grandkids and loved joking around with them. He always kept a positive attitude and was on hand to help family whenever they needed him.
Marie said: "He was brilliant with the kids. Always laughing and joking with them.
"My wee nephew loves the wrestling and he'd take him to that. Robert had a car in the front garden that he and my nephew were looking forward to doing up.
"He was always hands-on with the kids and really proud of his grandkids. My wee girl is going through her exams and he told her 'not to worry you can only do your best.'
"Telling her that we'd be proud no matter what happens, he was always positive."
Marie says that the whole family have been left completely devastated by Robert's sudden passing and that it still hasn't properly sunk in.
She said: "My mum is in the house on her own. Robert worked but my mum has ill health, she is quite uneasy on her feet.
"She relied on Robert a lot around the house. She is worried about everything now.
"I think for us it hasn't sunk in yet and we still don't believe he is gone. We are concentrating on our mum and it hasn't hit us yet.
"We are all devastated."
Now the family is raising funds to make sure that Robert is given the perfect goodbye.
Marie added: "We just want to give Robert the send-off he deserves."
The EK Collective from Strathmore and Edinburgh House where Robert worked paid tribute on the donation page.
They said: "We have no words still in shock and this sad and sudden news. Our hearts go out to all Robert's Family and friends, he was a beacon here at Strathmore & Edinburgh House he is sorely missed by us all here at EK Collective, Robert always helpful and a fountain of knowledge. May he rest in peace knowing he was loved."
To donate to the gofundme click here
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