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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Ross Dunn

'Unfair goodbye' to basketball player who passed away after short illness

Tributes have flooded in for an Ayrshire basketball player after he passed away.

William Mclaren died following a short battle with cancer with many locals paying tribute.

William's basketball team, the Ayrshire Tornadoes, said his passing was 'an unfair goodbye'.

Described as an integral part of the team, the Tornadoes said there were "no words to express the sadness" the team was feeling.

A statement posted on Ayrshire Tornadoes Facebook page last Tuesday read: "Today is the day we lay our friend, coach and teammate William Maclaren to rest after his short battle with cancer.

"As you can imagine we are all hurting and there are no words to express the sadness we are feeling. It all happened so quickly and just feels surreal.

"Members from the club past and present will be attending the funeral today to say a final farewell to a man who was an integral part of starting the club we all know and love.

"Our thoughts are with Shona, Thea and Mason and the rest of the family and close friends today and know that through all your special memories together, his love will live in your hearts forever.

William Mclaren (Ayrshire Tornadoes)

"It all started with a simple hello, but sadly ended with an unfair goodbye."

William was also well known as a Stevenston Sabres player, before merging with the Tornadoes.

Since William's passing, friends and former teammates have been paying tribute.

One person said: "So sorry to have heard of his loss, the whole basketball community is a little worse without Willie in it.

"My thoughts are with all those who knew him well, especially his family on this very difficult day."

Another wrote: "RIP Willie, taken from all who loved you and all who knew you and enjoyed your company far too soon."

One person said after the funeral: "Will would have been so chuffed to see what a wonderful turn out there was from all you guys...and the tribute you paid him with your outfits. Proud of you all."

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