Tributes have been paid to a pillar of the Strathaven community who was laid to rest this week.
Locals are mourning the death of Andrew Park, a prominent figure in the town for many decades, after his passing on Thursday, July 29, aged 91.
Mr Park played a huge role in the Strathaven community over many years, as an organiser, committee member and enthusiastic participant as part of the Golf Club, Rotary Club, Scout and Guide Centre, Round Table and many other organisations.
His funeral was held at Strathaven Cemetery on Monday and was attended by family and friends, as well as representatives from many of the organisations he supported over the years.
Andrew was also a driving force behind the Strathaven Swimming Pool Fund, which raised donations of more than £300,000 from organisations and individuals in the town, and led to the opening of the Strathaven Leisure Centre and pool in April 1999.
During a lifetime of work with Andrew Park & Sons Ltd, the family business based on Commercial Road, Andrew was involved in the building and renovation of many homes in the town, and he was also a church elder for 49 years, originally in the West Church.
He was also one of the founders of Strathaven Gala and chairman of the first festival committee in 1974.
Strathaven residents were quick to pay tribute to Andrew on social media, with Billy Smith saying: “Andrew did a great deal for Strathaven in many ways including raising money for the swimming pool”; while Linda Thorburn added: “A wonderful man who did do much for Strathaven”.
Andrew was one of the most respected men in the community and locals remember him fondly.
Nancy McEwan Burgess said: "Andrew was a good and honourable man. Condolences to his family."
Billy Smith also paid tribute, saying: "Andrew did a great deal for Strathaven in many ways including raising money for the swimming pool. RIP."
Ian Johnston added: "Was my Sunday School Teacher at West Church, we discussed the Saturdays' football results. Andrew was much liked."
And Jackie Rice remembers Andrew as "an asset to our community."
Andrew’s family has asked that if you wish to make a donation in his memory that it should go to Strathaven John Hastie Museum Trust, of which he was a strong supporter.
Donations can be made to: The Strathaven John Hastie Museum Trust.
Details on how to donate can be found her e.
