The family of a former provost have paid tribute to their dad after he passed away, aged 92.
Wullie Paterson's daughter's said the ex-Kilwinning provost always took the time to listen and never had a bad word to say about anyone.
The Labour man's legacy began when he moved to the town in 1960 from the East Coast with his wife and small children. He worked a number of jobs but his favourite was his last, being the janitor at Kilwinning Academy.
Daughter Moira Brennan said after he passed away on Thursday, February 25: "Dad first worked as a co- op van driver, then SKF.co plant at Drybridge then off to the nylon plant when it was built – but his best job was being the jannie at the school till he retired.
"He just loved weans, he thrived at the school.
"Everyone in the town just knows him by wee Wullie, Mr P or 'the jannie'."
The former provost was married to the late Cathy and the late Anne, a dad of three to Moira, Irene and William, grandfather of six, great-grandfather of nine and even lived to meet his great-great grandchild.
Moira added: "Dad became involved in local politics in the early 60s, then he became the last provost of the Old Burgh of Kilwinning in September '74 to May '75.
"He was so well known in the community."
His daughter Irene McLaughlan praised her late dad's kindness.
She said: "He never had a bad word to say about anybody. Anybody could go to my dad with any problem and he would always take the time to listen.
"He was just full of fun and energy. He loved nothing more than pottering about his garden."
Wullie was well known at Kilwinning Congregational Church – where he was the president for 12 years.
Irene believes everyone can learn this lesson from Wullie's life.
She said: "My dad taught us to be kind and understanding of people's feelings. He was a preacher, if the minister ever wanted a holiday he would step in for him."
Wullie also served the town as a Justice of the Peace and acted on the Kilwinning Burgh Welfare Committee where he helped organise Christmas dinners and day trips for the town's elderly.
Wullie's funeral service was held Monday, March 8.
Irene said: "Because of Covid, it's just a small service with family only. I'm gutted for him that he can't get the send off he deserves – he touched so many lives.
"We want to thank everyone for their support. We have gotten over 200 private messages and nearly 400 replies to our post on Kilwinning memories.
"My dad was a healthy man until the end of February. He was only in the hospital for two days and then he died from a heart attack. It was a shock to us all but the messages we've gotten on Facebook are helping.
"We're hopefully going to celebrate dad's birthday on October 28, 2021 when he would've been 93 with a family get together if restrictions are lifted."
Councillor Joe Cullinane, leader of North Ayrshire Council, also paid tribute. He said: “Wullie was a true gentleman, known and respected by people across Kilwinning not only for his time as Provost but also from those who knew him as the jannie at school or those at his church. My thoughts are with all his family and friends.”
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