Merrilees Family Funeral Directors

02/09/2026

Resting safely in the care of our family 🖤🤍

BRYDEN, Kathleen
Falkirk

With heavy hearts, on behalf of her loving family, we announce the peaceful passing of Kathleen Bryden.

Kathleen passed away peacefully at Carrondale Care Home on Saturday, 29th August 2026, aged 77 years.

A loving partner to the late Sandy Taylor, a much-loved mum to Mark, Suzanne and the late George, a devoted Nannie Kay to Arran, a loving sister and aunty, and a wonderful friend to many.

Kathleen was a truly kind-hearted lady with a heart of gold. She had a warmth about her that people naturally took to, and she was liked and thought of fondly by so many who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Family meant everything to Kathleen, and she took great pride in those she loved; the love she had for her family was always clear to see. She also valued her friendships dearly and leaves behind many people with wonderful memories of the times they shared together.

Kathleen will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends, but the love, kindness, and happy memories she leaves behind will remain with them always.

A Service to celebrate the life of Kathleen will take place on Tuesday, 15th September 2026 at 1:00 pm.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend.

In a special tribute to Kathleen, her family would love those attending her service to wear a touch of pink.

It is a true honour for us to be entrusted with Kathleen’s care and service arrangements. As always, our thoughts and heartfelt love remain with Mark, Suzanne, Arran and all of Kathleen’s extended family and many friends during this incredibly difficult time.

Rest in eternal peace, Kathleen 🩷🩷

“A life filled with love leaves memories that time can never take away.”

For all enquiries, please contact Sam & Andrew on 01324 636446

02/09/2026

The family of the late Carolyn Glass would like to express their sincere and heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended Carolyn’s service in the Falkirk Crematorium Service Room on Friday, 28th August 2026, followed by her interment at Camelon Cemetery.

Every kind word, card, message, flower, and gesture of support shown to the family throughout this difficult time has brought great comfort and has been truly appreciated.

Special thanks are extended to Gail McHugh - Celebrant for conducting Carolyn’s service with such warmth, care, and compassion, and for helping the family create a fitting and personal tribute to her life.

Sincere thanks also to Lynn at Poppy's & Petals for creating Carolyn’s beautiful family floral tributes, and to everyone else who kindly sent flowers in her memory. Each one was greatly appreciated by the family.

The family would also like to thank everyone who joined them afterwards for refreshments at Falkirk Rugby Club, and everyone who so generously made a donation in Carolyn’s memory for Dementia Scotland. Your kindness and generosity are greatly appreciated and will help support the important work they do.

Carolyn was so well thought of by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her, and it was incredibly comforting for her family to see just how many people came together to pay their respects and say their final goodbyes. She touched the lives of so many people throughout her life and will be remembered with great affection by family, friends, and all who knew her. Her absence will be deeply felt, and she will be missed more than words can say.

It has been a privilege for our family to care for Carolyn and to support her wonderful family through such a difficult time. We will continue to be here for them in the weeks and months ahead in any way we can.

Rest in eternal peace, Carolyn. 🖤🤍

“May she rest in peace and love. Her spirit will always be remembered.”

02/09/2026

Resting safely in the care of our family 🖤🤍

McGINLAY, Sean
Denny

With broken hearts, on behalf of his loving family, we announce the sudden and tragic passing of Sean McGinlay.

Sean passed away suddenly on Monday, 17th August 2026, aged 24 years.

A loving partner to Alex, a devoted dad to Frankie, a much-loved son and brother, and a great friend to many.

Sean’s sudden passing at such a young age has left his family and friends completely devastated. To lose someone so loved, with so much life still ahead of him, is a heartbreak that words could never truly express.

Sean will be remembered for his cheeky personality, his sense of humour, and the way he could bring laughter into the lives of those around him. He was loved enormously by his family and friends, and although his life was far too short, he has left them with so many brilliant memories that will be treasured and spoken about for years to come.

Incredibly precious to those closest to him. His absence will be felt more than words can say, and he will be missed every single day by everyone who knew and loved him.

A service to celebrate the life of Sean will take place in Falkirk Crematorium on Tuesday, 8th September 2026 at 10:45 am.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend.

For full details of Sean's service, please click the link below to visit his dedicated memorial page:

seanmcginlay.muchloved.com

It is a true honour for us to be entrusted with Sean’s care and service arrangements. As always, our thoughts and heartfelt love remain with Alex, Frankie and all of Sean’s family and friends as they face such an incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time.

Rest in eternal peace, Sean 🖤🤍

“Those we hold closest never truly leave us; they live on in the kindness they showed and the love that they gave”

For all enquiries, please contact Sam & Andrew on 01324 636446.
merrileesfuneraldirectors.co.uk

30/08/2026

Resting safely in the care of our family 🖤🤍

BUCHANAN, Alan
Camelon

With heavy hearts, on behalf of his loving family, we announce the peaceful passing of Alan Buchanan.

Alan passed away peacefully at Strathcarron Hospice, surrounded by the love of his family, on Thursday, 27th August 2026, aged 67 years.

A beloved husband to the late Isobel, a devoted dad to Kelly, Alan and Ross, a much-loved father-in-law to Mark, Debbie and Allana, a doting papa to Taylor, Amy and Aidan, and a great friend to many.

Alan was a man whom people genuinely enjoyed being around and someone who was very well liked by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Above everything else, Alan was a family man. He was a devoted and loving husband to Isobel for 42 years, and the life and memories they created together meant everything to him. He was also a wonderful dad and a doting papa, incredibly proud of his family and happiest when surrounded by those he loved most.

He will be deeply missed by his family, his friends, and everyone fortunate enough to have known him, but the love, laughter, and countless memories he leaves behind will remain with them always.

A Service of Celebration for the life of Alan will take place in Falkirk Crematorium on Thursday, 10th September 2026 at 1:00 pm.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend.

Family flowers only, please. Donations, if desired, can be made following the service for Strathcarron Hospice, or alternatively, can be made online by following the link below to Alan’s dedicated memorial page.

(Link will be inserted when posting)

It is a true honour for us to be entrusted with Alan’s care and service arrangements. As always, our thoughts and heartfelt love remain with Kelly, Alan and Ross, as well as all of Alan’s extended family and many friends during this incredibly difficult time.

Rest in eternal peace, Alan 🖤🤍

“Those we love never truly leave us. They live on in the love they gave, the memories they made, and the hearts of those who will miss them forever.”

For all enquiries, please contact Sam & Andrew on 01324 636446.
merrileesfuneraldirectors.co.uk

28/08/2026

Resting safely in the care of our family 🖤🤍

RICHARDS, Terence (Terry)
Reddingmuirhead

With great sadness, on behalf of his loving family, we announce the sudden passing of Terence Richards, known to many as Terry.

Terry passed away suddenly but peacefully, surrounded by his family’s love, in Forth Valley Royal Hospital on Friday, 21st August 2026, aged 79 years.

A beloved husband to Alison, a much-loved dad and grandad, a loving brother and uncle, and a great friend to many.

Terry was a much-loved family man whose greatest happiness came from the people closest to him. His family meant everything to him, and the love, memories, and special moments they shared throughout the years will remain with them always.

His sudden passing has brought great sadness to all who loved him, and he leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a family who will miss him more than words can ever express, but who will carry him with them in everything they do.

A service to celebrate the life of Terry will take place in Falkirk Crematorium on Tuesday, 8th September 2026 at 1:45 pm.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend.

For full details of Terry’s service, please click the link below to visit his dedicated memorial page:

terence-richards-1946-2026.muchloved.com

It is a true privilege for us to be entrusted with Terry’s care and service arrangements. As always, our thoughts and heartfelt love remain with Alison and the entire Richards family during this incredibly difficult time.

Rest in eternal peace, Terry 🖤🤍

“A much-loved husband, dad, grandad, brother, uncle and friend. Forever loved, deeply missed and always remembered.”

For any enquiries, please contact Sam or Andrew on 01324 636446.

merrileesfuneraldirectors.co.uk

28/08/2026

The family of the late Gail Mason would like to express their sincere and heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended the celebration of Gail’s life at Falkirk Crematorium on Tuesday, 18th August 2026.

Every kind word, card, message, and gesture of support shown to the family throughout this difficult time has brought great comfort and has been truly appreciated.

Special thanks are extended to independent celebrant Denise Jarvis Independent Civil Celebrant for leading the celebration of Gail’s life with such warmth, care, and compassion, and for helping the family create a fitting and personal tribute to her.

Sincere thanks also to Lynne at Poppy's & Petals for creating Gail’s beautiful floral tributes.

The family would also like to thank everyone who so generously made a donation in Gail’s memory for Strathcarron Hospice. Your kindness and generosity are greatly appreciated and are a lovely way of supporting the wonderful work they do.

It was incredibly comforting for Gail’s family to see so many people come together to show their love, support, and affection for her. To know just how many lives Gail had touched, and to have so many family members and friends there to say their final goodbyes, meant more to them than words can express.

It has been a privilege for our family to care for Gail and to support her wonderful family through such a difficult time. We will continue to be here for them in the weeks and months ahead in any way we can.

Rest in eternal peace, Gail. 🩵🩵

“May she rest in peace and love. Her spirit will always be remembered.”

27/08/2026

Did you know you can choose ANY funeral director to care for your loved one?

We're asked this regularly, and we think it’s important that families know the answer.

You do NOT have to use a funeral director who is based close to where your loved one lived or where they have passed away.

You are completely free to choose any funeral director you feel is right for you and your family.

You may choose someone because you like the way they work, because they have been personally recommended to you, because you have heard good things about their reputation or facilities, or simply because you feel comfortable placing your trust in them.

Where they are based does not restrict your choice.

Choosing a funeral director is an incredibly important decision. You are entrusting someone with the care of a person who means everything to you, often at one of the most difficult and vulnerable times in your life.

That is why we believe reputation, integrity, transparency and trust matter enormously.

Ask questions. Find out where your loved one will be cared for. Ask about the facilities available to them. Look at reviews and recommendations. Most importantly, choose the funeral director who gives you confidence that your loved one will be treated with the dignity, respect and care they deserve.

It is your loved one. Your family. Your choice. Always.

An independent family business with real family values and trusted within our community 🖤🤍

23/08/2026

Resting safely in the care of our family 🖤🤍

BORTHWICK, Jillian (Jill)
Skinflats

With heavy hearts, on behalf of her loving family, we announce the peaceful passing of Jillian Borthwick, known to many as Jill.

Jill passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family, at Strathcarron Hospice on Tuesday, 18th August 2026, aged 51 years.

A loving mum to Chloe and Dean; a doting granny to Macie; a much-loved daughter to Jeanette and the late Robert; a loving sister to Craig; and a wonderful friend to many.

Jill faced her battle with cancer with courage and determination, remaining the bubbly, chatty Jill everyone knew and loved. Even on her most difficult days, she never lost her warmth, special spark or love of a good blether.

Her greatest love was her family. She was an amazing mum to Chloe and Dean and a proud, doting granny to Macie, with whom she shared an immeasurable bond. Jill leaves behind a lasting legacy of love and precious memories, which will live on through her family and friends and be cherished always.

A service of celebration for the life of Jill will be held at Falkirk Crematorium on Thursday, 3rd September 2026 at 11:30 am.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend.

For full details of Jill’s service, please click the link below to visit her dedicated memorial page:

jillianborthwick.muchloved.com

It is a true honour for us to be entrusted with Jill’s care and service arrangements. As always, our thoughts and heartfelt love remain with Chloe, Dean, Macie and all of Jill’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.

Rest in eternal peace, Jill 🖤🤍

“A life filled with love leaves memories that time can never take away.”

For all enquiries, please get in touch with Sam & Andrew on 01324 636446.
merrileesfuneraldirectors.co.uk

23/08/2026

Resting safely in the care of our family 🖤🤍

PATERSON, Robert (Rab P)
Camelon

With great sadness, on behalf of his loving family, we announce the sudden passing of Robert Paterson, known to so many as Rab P.

Rab passed away suddenly at his home address on Monday, 17th August 2026, aged 70 years.

A beloved partner to the late Margaret, a much-loved dad to Robert, Kellie, and the late Kev; a doting grandad to Jordan, Dylan, Nicole, Lucy, Demi-Lee, and Harrison; a loving brother, father-in-law, and uncle; and a great friend to many.

Rab was a well-known and familiar face throughout Falkirk and the surrounding area, having worked as a taxi driver in Falkirk for an incredible 52 years, as well as a mechanic. Over the years, he met countless people through his work, and his familiar face and character became known to so many.

Rab was also a devoted family man. He was a wonderful dad and grandad, and a constant presence in his family's lives. Someone they could always rely upon and whose place within their family simply cannot be replaced.

Rab was so well thought of by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His sudden passing has left an enormous space in the lives of those closest to him, and he will be deeply missed by his family, his friends and the many people who knew him throughout his life.

A service to celebrate the life of Rab will take place in Falkirk Crematorium on Tuesday, 1st September 2026 at 1:00 pm.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend.

For full details of Rab’s service, along with information on making a donation in his memory, please click the link below to visit his dedicated memorial page:

rabp.muchloved.com

It is a true privilege for us to be entrusted with Rab’s care and service arrangements. As always, our thoughts and heartfelt love remain with Robert, Kelly and the entire Paterson family during this incredibly difficult time.

Rest in eternal peace, Rab. 🖤🤍

“A much-loved dad, grandad and friend whose place in the lives of those who loved him can never be filled. Forever loved, deeply missed and always remembered.”

For any enquiries, please contact Sam or Andrew on 01324 636446.

merrileesfuneraldirectors.co.uk

22/08/2026

We are proud to be one of the local independent funeral directors working alongside Falkirk Council to support this new initiative, giving families another option when arranging a respectful and dignified funeral for someone they love.

As a family-run funeral director, affordability, transparency and exceptional standards of care have always been at the heart of what we do. We believe every family should know exactly what they are paying for, with clear and honest costs from the very beginning and no unnecessary pressure or unexpected surprises.

We have always believed that the cost of a funeral should never determine the level of dignity, compassion or care a person receives. Whether a family chooses a simple funeral or something completely bespoke, every person entrusted into our care is treated with exactly the same respect and every family receives the same personal support from us.

This new initiative is about choice. It doesn’t replace the funeral options already available or restrict families in any way. Instead, it provides an additional, straightforward and affordable option, with families still able to personalise arrangements and add anything that is important to them.

Being completely open about our funeral costs and the facilities we have within our family funeral home is something that has always been incredibly important to us. We want families to know exactly where their loved one will be cared for, who will be looking after them and what facilities are available to them throughout their time in our care. Providing genuine value and ensuring families fully understand all of the choices available to them has always been something we are passionate about.

We are therefore delighted to support Falkirk Council with an initiative that shares those principles and, most importantly, helps local families at a time when they need honesty, understanding and support the most.

An independent family business, trusted within our community, with real family values. 🖤🤍

Falkirk councillors agree plan to help residents arrange respectful, affordable funerals