TRIBUTES have been paid to a man “known in every house in Darwen”, who has died aged 45.

Robert Smillie, of Oak Grove, had gone to bed early the night before complaining of feeling weary. His sister found him dead in bed the following day. Robert had recently spent seven weeks in the Critical Care Unit at the Royal Blackburn Hospital after collapsing and being diagnosed with septicemia and kidney failure.

His mother Violet, 81, said: “We didn’t know he was so ill. He’d never been ill in his life. When he came home he was doing really well. He’d even had trips out to the shops again.”

Mr Smillie, who had learning difficulties, was a regular at Darwen Market and at community events. He was born in Glasgow but moved to Darwen with his parents and six brothers and sisters aged 11 in 1974 when his father Bobby got a job.

Mrs Smillie added: “He always made you smile. He was such a loving boy. I don’t think there is anyone in Darwen who didn’t know Robert. People I don’t know from Adam have been stopping me in the street paying their respects.

“They were attracted to his warm personality. He was so comical and so natural. He was fiercely independent and was so nosy too. I used to say he taught the dog how to be nosy. I can’t come to grips that he won’t be here anymore.”

Mr Smillie’s funeral was held at St James’ Church in Over Darwen on October 9. So many mourners turned up that some listened to the service outside over a Tannoy.

In recognition of his pride at being a Scot, a Glasgow Rangers football shirt was placed in his coffin. Tony Conway who runs the cobblers on Darwen Market said: “He was my best mate. I spoke to him every day for 20 years. He’d arranged parties and get-togethers at my house. He looked after me and I looked after him.

“Everyone knows him in Darwen and everyone was very touched by his death.”

Eileen Guy, who runs The Grotto on Darwen Market, said: “He was a lovely guy. He would do anything for anyone.

"He was very well known in Darwen and will be missed.”