Laurence O’Boyle, housing consultant and former director of Spire View Housing Association, passed away on 15 March, aged 56.

Laurence became director of James Nisbet Housing Co-operative in Royston, Glasgow in 1989. In 2002, James Nisbet Housing Co-operative merged with Garngad Housing Association to create Spire View. He became an independent consultant in 2006 and provided services for housing associations throughout Scotland.

Laurence was diagnosed with Leukaemia in 2009. It returned last year. He put up a brave fight but, after 11 months in hospital, he received the news that he could not be cured this time.

Spire View director, Fiona Murphy, said: “From 1989 until 2006, Laurence O’Boyle was Director at James Nisbet Housing Co-operative / Spire View Housing Association.

“During this time Laurence was a driving force behind the transformation of housing within the local Royston community. In the 10 years afterwards, Laurence continued his involvement in Royston through many other projects. He has left a wonderful legacy of which we are extremely proud.

“Laurence was an incredible person with a fantastic personality and wonderful sense of humour. He was highly respected by everyone who knew him and will be sorely missed by the committee, staff and community at Spire View.

“It is difficult to grasp that he is no longer with us. He has been such an important part of our history. Laurence was held in high regard by everyone. Everyone has a story to tell, not just about his work but also about his character, his kindness and his humour.”

Michael Carberry, director at Blochairn Housing Association, added: “Laurence was easy to get along with - so laid back, so non-judgemental and with a great sense of humour. He was a good friend to have. He was extremely good at his job and a lot of us (directors) sought his advice. He was someone you could trust. He would only do a job if he felt he could make a real contribution – to make things better for people. He hated unnecessary bureaucracy and red tape. He told a client: ‘The problem is we’ve made everything really complex, and it really isn’t – it’s really straightforward. When I started out, I didn’t have a clue what I was doing, so along with a few other guys, ……………we made it up…………………we smoked cigars and made it up’. He was also very modest!”

Laurence’s funeral service will be held on Wednesday 23 March at 12 noon at Daldowie Crematorium. For those of you who might wish to send flowers the family ask that a donation is made to the Beatson instead.

Our sincerest condolences are offered to Laurence’s wife Mary, his children Maeve and Conor, and his brother, John, at this very sad and difficult time.