Tributes paid to school Santa Gerald from near Glasgow

Gerald McGettigan brought festive cheer to pupils at St John’s Primary for many years by donning the big red suit at Christmas time.

He had hoped to reprise the role again this year at the Barrhead school but sadly passed away on October 29 at the Royal Alexandra Hospital.

The 72-year-old died several months after being diagnosed with cancer.

Gerald was St John's Santa for many years (Image: Sourced) Annmarie Strain, the chair of the school’s parent council, said: “Gerald was a very valued member of the Barrhead community.

“He continued being Santa even when his son left primary and moved to high school.

“Last year, he even went as far as growing his own beard to ensure he looked the real deal.”

Annmarie and Gerald (Image: Sourced) Raised in Barrhead, Gerald lived in the town all of his life, with his friend of more than 30 years, Fred McNeill, saying that he used to joke he “needed a passport to go to Paisley.”

During his working life, one of Gerald’s main jobs was as an engineer at the Spillers pet food factory in the town, where he worked for about 25 years.

The great grandfather, who enjoyed fishing and working on his garden, was also a life-long Celtic fan.

A season ticket holder, he was a member of the Barrhead St Mary’s Celtic Supporters Club.

Prior to becoming ill, Gerald also became involved with the In Cahootz drama classes set up by Annmarie in Barrhead and was a great support to the Dunterlie Men's group.

“He came along to be our Santa at our community event 'Oor First Noel' and then took part in the Dunterlie Adult Drama Group,” explained Annmarie.

“I know they (the members of the men’s group) are all missing him being there every week.

“He will be missed greatly by all the community.

“I will miss our wee blethers, which always led to us putting the world to rights and sharing ideas to make our community better.”

Gerald’s other voluntary efforts over the years also included raising money and travelling to Romania to help build an orphanage and helping to plant thousands of trees in Dunterlie.

Fred said: “He was right for helping the community and so down to earth.

“If he had a tenner he would give you half. He was one of those guys. He wasn’t money-orientated. He would totally do anything for anybody.”

Family was also very important to Gerald, who was dad to Mark, Susan, Gerard, Derry and the late Louise.

He was also grandfather to Charlotte, Rachel, Cameron, Elise, Sophie, Ava and Halle, and great grandfather to Alana, who he all doted on.

Sadly in a double blow for the family, Gerald’s cousin Frankie Lennon, who he was very close to, also passed away on the same day.

Fred and Gerald (Image: Sourced)

His daughter Susan, who lives in Barrhead, said: “I didn’t know my dad until I met him at 21 and it was best thing that ever happened to us.

“We were very close and I saw him every day. From not knowing each other we became best pals and got on like a house on fire.

“He had an amazing sense of humour and was a very kind hearted soul.

"He went out of his way to help anyone in need regardless of who they were."

“His family was his life,” added Fred. “Family, mates, nature and his dog boss.

“St John’s Chapel was a big thing in his life, too, his faith.”