Tributes paid to owner of Johnstone garden centre after death at 70

Stuart Johnston, who ran Gowanlea garden centre in Barrochan Road for decades, has been described by his loved ones as "a hard-working, loyal and supportive family man."

He died on Tuesday, November 21, after suffering a heart attack at home.

The former Johnstone High pupil followed in the footsteps of his father Jack, who first established Gowanlea in 1956.

Mr Johnston started working at the business from a young age and had a strong passion for horticulture.

His son Russell, 45, told The Gazette: "After he left school, he dedicated himself to being at Gowanlea full-time.

"My dad was always there watering plants and liked the growing side of things.

"He was very passionate about sowing a seed and seeing its full blossom."

Mr Johnston married his wife Margo in 1973 and together they raised their sons Kenneth and Russell, who is now the owner of Gowanlea.

Russell said: "It feels like history repeating itself, as Gowanlea was my dad's life and now it has become my life.

"He was well-known by customers and a very well-liked man.

"Even when I took over, my dad never really retired, as he was always pottering about and helping fix things."

The granddad-of-four also had an active social life outside the garden centre.

Russell added: "He would play pool with his pals on a Thursday night and was a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 989, in Kilmacolm.

"He also used to play some bowls at the bowling club in Robertson Park Bowling Club, in Renfrew."

A flood of heartfelt tributes have been paid on social media by those who knew Mr Johnston.

Irene Millar wrote: "He was a lovely man and will be sorely missed."

Steven Donnell said: "A real gentleman, condolences to the family."

Ken Linsay added: "He was a lovely, friendly big guy and always had a good word or chat to share."

Mr Johnston's funeral will take place at the Hurlet Crematorium, in Barrhead, on Wednesday, December 6, at noon.