Tributes paid following death of Renfrew butcher

Albert Kelly, also known as Bert, worked at G. H. Davidson Butchers in Yoker and Scotstoun for 46 years before he sadly died last month.

The 65-year-old grew up in Renfrew where he was the third eldest of seven children.

Albert Kelly (Image: G. H. Davidson Butchers)

He went to Kirklandneuk Primary School before later moving to Moorpark Primary School and then Renfrew High School.

Cindy Kelly, Bert’s younger sister, reflected on their childhood and how Bert got started in his career.  

She said: “There are seven of us (siblings), I was the youngest and Bert was the third child. We grew up in Renfrew, it was brilliant we had a great childhood.

“We were all close. Bert worked all his life as a butcher. He started an apprenticeship at a shop in Renfrew.

“I think that was shut down and that’s how he ended up getting a job over in Yoker. Joe who also works there had just started a couple of months before him, they were just like brothers.

“They were like Jack and Victor, two grumpy old men. Bert was due to retire but he went part-time.

"I don’t know when he was actually going to leave it, he had said next year. That was his first job and that was it.”

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Joe Clark worked alongside Bert at the Dumbarton Road shop for more than four decades.

He described Bert as a “character” and reflected on some of his favourite memories.

Joe said: “Bert was funny, he had a dry sense of humour. He once went to a Beatles tribute act and when we asked him how it was he said it was “s***e”.

“We asked him why and he said “all they sang was Beatles songs”, well of course they did and we all laughed.

“Bert was an unintentional comedian, the things he would come away with. He wouldn’t have done anyone a bad turn.

“He said I was grumpy but I think he was the grumpy one. Actually, he just came across as grumpy but he wasn’t really.

“He was a good butcher, one in a million, and definitely a character. So many people have come into the shop devastated.

“Grown men with tears in their eyes as so many grew up with Bertie. Some now have kids, even grandkids of their own.

“A lot of people miss him.”

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A statement was posted to G. H. Davidson Butchers' Facebook page announcing the news to customers.

It reads: “It is with great sadness that I have to announce the sudden passing of our friend and colleague Albert Kelly.

“Bert was a familiar face in the shop in Yoker and Scotstoun for 46 years and will be dearly missed.

"Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this very sad time.”

Customers shared their sadness and condolences in the comments.

One said: “Gutted to hear the news of Bertie's passing. Had many a laugh in my time working alongside him.

“My thoughts to Joe, Alan, and the rest of the team at Davidson’s and also to his family.”

A second added: “My thoughts go to Bert’s family, friends, and colleagues. I think most of Yoker and Scotstoun know Bert from childhood and he will be missed by customers.”

A third commented: “So sorry to hear this, Bert was one of a kind. Thoughts are with you all and his family.”

The funeral is expected to take place on Tuesday.