A commemorative bench and tree have been placed in Stranraer to honour the life of local resident Neil Brown.
The memorial was unveiled last Thursday, September 23, in McCormack Gardens where Neil had lived for a number of years.
Neighbour Ashley McDowall approached Loreburn Housing Association staff with the idea of siting a memorial for Neil, who sadly passed away last year.
Ashley said: “Neil was a much-loved member of our community. He had a very big heart and was always there to give a helping hand to those in need.
“I wanted to do something to honour Neil’s life. I wanted to have a place where not only residents of McCormack Gardens could come and reflect but everyone in the community too. It’s something that can live and grow on for Neil.
“I am very thankful to Loreburn for allowing this to go ahead and for all the hard work they put in to make it happen.”
Neil was known by many for his selfless actions. Always putting others before himself, he was happy to offer help to anyone that needed it.
He was passionate about his work at Key Housing where he supported vulnerable customers in the local community. To Neil, this was much more than just a job. Z
Rachael McCrory, Neighbourhood Officer at Loreburn, said: “It has been my pleasure to be able to assist the residents of McCormack Gardens in creating this memorial for Neil.
“He was a much-respected member of the local community and is sadly missed by many.”
Neil’s mother and brother joined Loreburn staff and McCormack Gardens residents last week to ‘open’ the new bench.
A very special thanks has been extended to Loreburn’s In-House Repairs team, who built the bench; to the Galloway Action Team for planting the tree; Precision Tree Care for supplying the tree and to Quick Return Cleaners for the plaque.
