The family of Alan Marsh have paid tribute to one of Kilmarnock’s biggest characters who just wanted to ‘go away quietly’.
The much-loved father and grandfather died at the end of December leaving friends and family devastated.
Described as one of life’s ‘good guys’ by his wife whom he’d separated from, Alan was 73-years-old when he passed away.
Georgina Marsh, Alan’s wife, said: “We split more than 15 years ago but were the best of friends and he was there for me and we still loved each other. These things sometimes happen with marriages.
“If I needed anyone, Alan was there. We kept our friendship and were very close.
“Alan arranged Ayrshire Simple Funerals to attend to his wishes, which meant it was an unattended cremation.
“Believe it or not this huge big character wanted to go very quietly.”
Georgina and Alan had three boys together and they were all named after racing drivers.
Barry after British motorcycle racer Barry Sheene; Joedy after Formula One driver Jody Scheckter; and Nikki after legendary Austrian F1 champ Niki Lauda. In later years Alan and Georgina became grandparents to Dexter and Amelie.
Georgina recalls what sort of person Alan was. She said: “I remember he had this helmet that he’d managed to get signed by racing drivers which I thought was going to be passed on to the boys but was actually auctioned and all of the monies went to the Beatson. He was just a good guy.
“He was so helpful in his shop Autocare. I remember he had this huge drawer in the back full of nuts, screws and bolts and whatever else and people would come in and ask for a couple of screws to get something done and Alan would tell them to go in and help themselves.
“Anyone else would’ve charged for something like that but not Alan. He was so helpful.”
The family have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of tributes following Alan’s death.
A gathering at Maggie’s Bar was organised on what would’ve been Alan’s 74th birthday last week and fireworks were set off at Moorfield Motors on Saturday where he volunteered and had many friends.
Georgina added: “Between us as a family, we’d like to thank everyone for all of the kind tributes because they’re a testimony to how much Alan was loved. He was our best friend.”
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