The Ayrshire Coastal Path is sorry to announce the passing of one of its founding members, Ayr Rotarian Willie Watters, who died recently at the age of 83.
A keen, life-long walker, following his retirement as Chief Works Analyst at ICI Explosives, Ardeer, Willie became a weel kent figure as an OIR Walk Leader for many years.
From a farming background, he was also a very practical man with the tools, not only on the Coastal Path, but also as a Kirk elder and Fabric Convenor at Newton Wallacetown Church. He was also instrumental in setting up our first Ayr Rotary Website. For this work, he was elected Rotarian of the Year by our Club.
His walking experience, practical skills, and companionship were a huge help to Jimmy Begg when setting up the Coastal Path from 2005-2008, when they tramped its whole length together, identifying the route, and meticulously recording the locations for all the signage, kissing gates, and small bridges.
Subsequently, Willie served on the ACP Management Board till 2018 and was a stalwart on our work parties – and his annual Beach Clean patch at Bracken Bay – till about 2015, when his health started to deteriorate. But he still kept a keen interest in what we were doing – even when in hospital recently. He enjoyed Rotary, but over the past year poor health greatly limited his opportunity to attend.
All those who enjoy the Coastal Path, have profited from Willie’s great contribution to its success.
RIP Willie and many thanks from us all.
