Russell Graham dies at age of 56

Cambusnethan-born Russell, of Avon Avenue, Carluke, was a Lanark member for 24 years with a handicap of 14.

His devastated brother David, of Castleknowe Gardens, Carluke, said: "Russell was a very amusing guy and larger than life.

"He was a big guy with a big heart and I can't believe he is gone.

"Everyone who knew Russell will remember him with a smile on their face, because he always had something funny to say.

"Russell was only one year off his pension and had been so much looking forward to retirement. He had a caravan up in St Andrews which he could go to."

Russell's brother-in-law George Cuthill, Lanark Golf Club secretary, said he was stunned by the death as he'd been playing golf with Russell on the day he died.

"It was a terrible shock to hear about this," George said.

"We'd had three days golfing at Kilspindie and Russell was in great form. He was always the life and soul of the party with a good philosophy about life.

"Russell used to say: 'You shouldn't get angry with other people because you can't control them; you can only control yourself'."

Russell leaves his wife Wilma (they married in 1975), children Stuart and Laura; his 83-year-old dad Lawrence, who still lives in Cambusnethan; and his sister May who is staying in Bristol.

St John's Church in Hamilton Street, Carluke, is the venue for Russell's funeral from 1.30pm this Thursday August 26, before Daldowie Crematorium from 3pm.