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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Keiran Fleming

Doting Glasgow granddad dies suddenly after collapsing at work as heartfelt tributes paid to 'gentle giant'

Tributes have been paid to a security guard who suddenly collapsed and passed away whilst working in East Kilbride.

Robert Harrigan, from Glasgow's Pollok, never returned home after leaving for his shift at Edinburgh House on Friday.

The 64-year-old was well known for his loving nature and for putting others before himself. Step-daughter Marie Borland revealed that Robert always looked to put a smile on people's faces.

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On Friday, the granddad of five, headed to his work at Edinburgh House in East Kilbride as normal, however, his wife, Linda, was left extremely worried when her beloved husband didn't return home from his shift.

Grieving step-daughter, Marie explained to Glasgow Live: "He gave my mum a cup of tea at 6am and kissed her goodbye then went to work. My mum phoned him at 10.30am to see how his day was going and he said he had heartburn and bought a bottle of Gaviscon for it.

"He moaned about the price of the bottle, which was very like him. My mum asked how the pain was again and he said it was bearable.

"Robert never told anyone about the pain before because he wouldn't want us to worry. He'd rather take it on himself rather than make anyone worry.

"He never came home at 6.15pm and my mum tried to phone him and he never answered. She told my brother, Colin, that he hadn't come home.

"The next minute police arrived at her door and told us that there was an accident at his work and he collapsed and passed away.

"I phoned his work and they told me he was doing his rounds as normal then the next minute he just collapsed in the corridor, and one of the tenants of the building found him and started CPR.

"They are all devastated at his work because he went above and beyond for others.

"Nobody should go to work and not come home."

Robert had been married to Linda for 24 years and was her rock for well over two decades. He was a doting dad and granddad and would do anything for his family.

The 42-year-old added: "He was great and always there when you needed him.

"Everybody that met Robert would say he was a big, soft, gentle giant who was there for the family. Robert being the only Rangers fan in the family meant he took the brunt of the jokes during Old Firm games.

"He always took it in good spirit and there was always a good atmosphere around him."

Robert adored his five grandkids and was there to support them whenever they needed it. The beloved grandfather aimed to cheer them up, especially when they were going through difficult times.

Marie said: "He was brilliant with the kids.

"Always laughing and joking with them. My wee nephew loves the wrestling and he'd take him to that.

"Robert had a car in the front garden that he and my nephew were looking forward to doing up.

"He was always hands-on with the kids. He would laugh and joke with them.

"He was really proud of his grandkids. My wee girl is going through her exams and he told her 'not to worry you can only do your best.'

"Telling her that we'd be proud no matter what happens, he was always positive."

Robert worked at Edinburgh House in East Kilbride (supplied)

Marie revealed that his shock passing has left a massive hole in the family.

She said: "My mum is in the house on her own. Robert worked but my mum has ill health, she is quite uneasy on her feet.

"She relied on Robert a lot around the house. She is worried about everything now.

"I think for us it hasn't sunk in yet and we still don't believe he is gone. We are concentrating on our mum and it hasn't hit us yet.

"We are all devastated."

Now the family is raising funds to ensure that the much missed, dad, step-dad, husband, granddad, and friend is given the perfect goodbye.

Marie added: "We just want to give Robert the send-off he deserves."

The EK Collective from Strathmore and Edinburgh House where Robert worked paid tribute on the donation page.

They said: "We have no words still in shock and this sad and sudden news. Our hearts go out to all Robert's Family and friends, he was a beacon here at Strathmore & Edinburgh House he is sorely missed by us all here at EK Collective, Robert always helpful and a fountain of knowledge. May he rest in peace knowing he was loved."

To donate to the gofundme click here

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