A NEPHEW hopes the older generation will exchange their wartime perseverance for safe behaviour following his great uncle’s death from COVID-19.

William Hawthorn, 82, passed away on Sunday, April 5, after contracting coronavirus. Originally from Kilwinning, he had lived for many years in Saltcoats.

His great nephew, Nairn McDonald, 24, said: “He understood the risk given his underlying conditions and followed the rules as closely as he could. My uncle William was a pillar of strength and authority and fought hard. He didn’t pass away due to a lack of fight.”

Nairn, who is volunteering with the local community hub to deliver packages to the most vulnerable, said many of the older generation are still going out and about.

He said: “I think a lot of it is due to their ‘get on with it’ attitude. Many of them are war time babies or lived through the war and have that very strong sense to persevere but I just hope they begin to realise this isn’t a normal virus.

“Their strength, hope and perseverance is admirable but for now they need to have a little less of it.”

William leaves behind two daughters and his wife of nearly 60 years, Wilma.

If you would like to pay tribute to somone you have lost, then you can here.

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