EMOTIONAL tributes have been paid to a much-loved man who kept the people of Wemyss Bay in high spirits for more than 30 years.

Billy Rodger, the popular bar manager at Wemyss Bay Station Bar, sadly passed away at home on 20 August at the age of 81.

'Gentleman barman' Billy, from Skelmorlie, leaves behind wife Hilary, two sons and a daughter, eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Hilary told the Tele that the couple met at the Moorings in Largs when they were in their late teens and married three years later.

Her devoted husband of 61 years loved running the bar but his real passion in life was his family.

Hilary said: "Billy was a lovely husband and a great man.

"He was always known as a quiet, calm man and was very much for his family.

"He was so pleased that he got to meet his new wee great granddaughter Isla not too long before he passed away.

"He was very emotional as he knew he wouldn't see her grow up.

"At this point I'm not too sure how I will live without him but I know I have a lovely family around me."

Billy was born at Auchengarth Farm near Largs in September 1939.

After leaving Largs High School, he became an apprentice butcher with Miller and Clark of Largs.

Billy went on to run his own butcher shop in Upper Skelmorlie in the 1970s.

Illness unfortunately forced Billy to look at other career options and that's when he started at the Station Bar.

He was a keen bowler and past president of Skelmorlie Bowling Club and also worked as a retained firefighter with the Skelmorlie crew.

A keen football fan, Billy supported Morton but his favourite team was Largs Thistle.

Hilary says that charities were always close to his heart and that there was always a collection tin on the bar.

She's very proud of how much respect Billy garnered for his time in the pub.

Hilary added: "Billy would never get into an argument or anything like that.

"He saw the good in everyone and treated customers how they should be treated."

Harry Monaghan, owner of the Wemyss Bay Station Bar, said Billy was 'so reliable' and was very popular with the customers.

He added: "Billy was a very loyal worker.

"You would always find him the same and he was very welcoming to everyone.

"He worked for the previous owners of the Wemyss Bay Station Bar for nearly 25 years and then worked for me for another six years.

"In the last 10 years since he retired, people have still been coming in and asking for him."

Billy was laid to rest at Greenock crematorium, fittingly wearing his Largs Thistle tie.