A much-loved priest has passed away.
Father William "Willy" Slavin died in St Margaret's Hospice on Friday, the Archdiocese of Glasgow confirmed.
Born in Bristol, Father Slavin was raised in Glasgow where he attended St George's Primary School before going to Blairs College in Aberdeen for secondary education.
The Partick Thistle season ticket holder was ordained in 1964 at the Scots College in Rome.
He went on to study psychology at the University of Glasgow.
Father Slavin was the parish priest at St Peter's and St Simons church in Partick before he retired in 2013.
The renowned priest had a remarkable career including spending time as the Chaplain at Barlinnie Prison, Ruchill Hospital for Infectious Diseases, and Yorkhill Hospitals.
He was dedicated to helping the homeless and raised funds to install the Homeless Jesus sculpture in Glasgow city centre.
Father Slavin spent the first year of his retirement touring the Scottish coastline in a camper van and went on to live in a hut in a forest in Fife.
Tributes have poured in for the retired priest, who is remembered as "a great friend" and for his dedication to helping those in need.
One person wrote: "A truly inspirational man who never took the easy road. His work in many areas, particularly with homeless people was relentless.
"He always told it as it was. A true friend who will be sadly missed.
"Go in Peace good and faithful servant. Thanks for all that you did in supporting Glasgow Churches Together and the installation of the Homeless Jesus Sculpture."
A churchgoer said: "You will live on through your love, your compassion, your joy, your kindness, the abundant energy you freely gave.
"You will be sorely missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know you.
"You have helped me in so many ways more than any words can convey. Thank You."
A minister wrote: "Willy was one of the first people to welcome me to Partick when I became minister of Partick South Church of Scotland.
"Enjoyed many a good blether on Dumbarton Road, Good Friday gatherings in Mansfield Park and Advent ecumenical gatherings."
Another added: "A great friend to our family as I know he was to many. May he rest in peace."
A nurse who worked with Father Slavin said: "Sad news. Eternal rest to Fr Slaven. I remember him fondly when I was nursing at Yorkhill.
"It was a pleasure to be in his company when he was our hospital chaplain. He made time for those who needed his help."
A spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Glasgow said: "We regret to announce that Father Willy Slavin, retired parish priest of St Peter’s and Simon’s Partick, has passed away in St Margaret’s Hospice.
Funeral details will be shared when arrangements have been completed.
Requiescat in pace."
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel