Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a “kind and caring” community stalwart who saved many lives and trained thousands of first aiders throughout the country.
Robert Muirhead, 82, known as Bob or Bobby, dedicated his life to helping others, volunteering as an ambulance driver in Alexandria and founding Leven First Aid.
Over the decades, he has instructed thousands of people how to deliver first aid and CPR.
The father-of-two stayed in Bonhill with Fiona, his devoted wife of 46 years, who led tributes to him this week after he passed away on January 10 following a brave battle with prostate cancer.
She told the Lennox Herald: “Bobby was always passionate about first aid and helping other people, working right up until he was 80.
“He was very kind, caring and giving – the type of person who would give you their last pound if it meant it was going to help you.
“Nothing daunted him and he was a very compassionate and positive person. He was a wonderful husband.”
Robert, who had two children Jane and Robert, volunteered as an ambulance driver in the 1960s, operating out of Glens Garage in Alexandria.
There, he discovered his passion for first aid and in 1980 he joined St Andrews Ambulance Association, progressing to the position of commandant with a responsibility for 50 first aiders.
He later pursued his dream of launching his own business Leven First Aid in 1996 and went on to train as an emergency medical technician, joining charity Basics Scotland, which works with agencies to provide pre-hospital emergency care.
Finally in 2019, he joined the first group of volunteers for the newly formed Helensburgh and Lomond First Responders. He was instrumental in setting up the organisation, which posted on social media: “Robert dedicated his life to helping others and he will be sorely missed.
“Stand down Robert, your duty is done.”
Robert was also well-known in the area for running a trampoline club with Fiona in Dumbarton, and Renton youth club Servades.
Fiona said: “Servades was a really popular youth club, set up by Bobby’s mum and dad James and Helen. Lots of people went and it’s where I met Bobby. There was trampolining, parties and concerts, and the cadets and girls brigade would meet there.
“When the Meadow Centre in Dumbarton opened in the 1980s, we started up a trampoline club which ran for around 10 years. We competed in the west of Scotland championships and won various medals.”
She told how how first aid was always Robert’s passion, explaining: “His father was a partner in a huge decorating firm and Bobby went to the Glasgow School of Art for colour and design to become a painter and decorator but it was never his passion.
“He became a volunteer and drove the ambulances from Glens Garage which was where they were based then before the Scottish Ambulance Service was formed. The lochshore road was very dangerous and there were some terrible accidents there he went to.
“He has helped so many people and saved numerous lives along that road.”
Robert was delighted to set up his own first aid firm, which has trained organisations up and down the country, including working with clubs in the Scottish Football Association.
He also covered large events, such as the 1991 Runrig concert at Balloch Park, and latterly covered many horse shows up until his cancer diagnosis.
Fiona added: “You would never have known his age as he was so active.
“He was looking forward to be involved in Helensburgh and Lomond Community First Responders but sadly didn’t get to go on a duty with them. They invited him for the presentation of medals they received from the Scottish Ambulance Service and he was so proud of that.”
Mark Casey, who runs the Save the Vale Facebook page, told how Robert’s legacy will live on.
He said: “Myself and the team at Save the Vale would like to extend our sympathies to Robert’s family and loved ones, including his thin green line family.
“I’ve known Robert for many years. He was such an amazing man with many great stories and experiences, with a wealth of knowledge.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of Robert’s passing, although his experience will live on through those he has helped over the years.”
Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie also expressed her sadness, commenting: “He leaves a legacy to be extremely proud of having trained countless people in first aid and lifesaving CPR.
“He is a shining example of a community champion and his loss will be sadly felt across the area, most notably by his loved ones who my thoughts are with.”
Robert’s funeral will take place at Cardross Crematorium on Tuesday, January 25 at 12.15pm, and thereafter at Cardross Golf Club, to which all family and friends are invited.
