Much-loved Angus businessman Ron Patterson, who owned the famous Five Gables Guest House next to Arbroath Golf Course, has died at the age of 72 following a short illness.
Born in 1938, he was educated at Inverbrothock Primary and Arbroath High School before joining the Merchant Navy.
Upon his return in 1963 Mr Patterson embarked on a career as a firefighter which was to span 30 years.
Three years after joining the fire service Mr Patterson met Grace, whom he married in Glasgow Registry Office later that year following a whirlwind romance.
The couple had three children Susan, who died last year at the age of 43, Ronnie and Gary.
Together Mr and Mrs Patterson also built up a series of successful businesses in the town ranging from a bridal shop to an ice cream van before purchasing the guest house in 1988.
They enjoyed numerous foreign holidays and trips across Scotland in their camper van, with favourite destinations being the Canadian Rockies and Arran.
Mr Patterson was also well known in Arbroath for his various interests and was a past president of Newgate Bowling Club as well as a member of Arbroath Artisan Golf Club and the local Masonic lodge.
Son Gary said yesterday, “My dad will be a huge loss to Arbroath.
“He was very generous and helped anyone out that he could.
“As one of his fellow firefighters said, he was one of the good guys.
“He never had a bad word to say about anybody.”
Mr Patterson is also survived by his three grandchildren Lisa (19), Alesha (18) and Cameron (15)