Merrilees Family Funeral Directors

09/01/2026

The family of the much-loved Jim Gardner would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who came together to celebrate his life on Wednesday, 7th January, at Falkirk Crematorium. They are also deeply grateful for the love, kindness, and support shown in the days and weeks following Jim’s sudden passing, which has brought great comfort and strength during this incredibly difficult time.

Sincere thanks are also offered to Independent Celebrant Dougie Smith for delivering a beautiful service for Jim, capturing him and the great man he was, along with what mattered most to him, so perfectly. Thanks are also extended to Lynne at Poppy's & Petals for the care and thought shown in creating Jim’s beautiful floral tributes.

The family would also like to thank the staff at the Camelon social club, along with Gayle and all the staff at Airth Caterers, for their kindness, service, and support in providing Jim’s funeral tea, which was greatly appreciated by all.

The family would also like to express their heartfelt appreciation for the generous donations received at the service and via Jim’s dedicated memorial page. These donations will be shared between Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland and the Scott Martin Foundation, in loving memory of Jim.

Caring for Jim, learning about his life, and supporting his lovely family has been a true honour and privilege. We will continue to support them in the weeks and months ahead in any way we can.

Rest in eternal peace, Jim

"May he rest in peace and love. His spirit will always be remembered.”

07/01/2026

Resting safely in the care of our family 🖤🤍

CLARK, Brian
Polmont

With heavy hearts, on behalf of his loving family, we announce the passing of Brian Clark.

Brian passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, at Strathcarron Hospice on Tuesday, 30th December 2025, aged 52 years. A much-loved husband to Pamela, a loving dad to Aimee, Lauren, Liam and Daniel, and a devoted stepdad to Taylor and Brodie. A doting papa to Brooke, Jessica, Leo, Theo, Remi and Freya. Also, a cherished son, brother, uncle, and a great friend to many.

Brian was a devoted husband, a loving father, stepfather, and a proud grandad. His wife, children, stepchildren, and grandchildren were his absolute world, and everything he did came back to family. His greatest joy was simply being surrounded by them.

His sense of humour made him wonderful company, the kind of person you wanted beside you at nights out and get-togethers. Larger than life in every sense, he was full of laughter, love, and energy. He didn’t just light up a room when he walked in; he could light up an entire town. His presence was unmistakable, his laughter infectious, and his ability to bring people together was truly special.

He loved being with his friends and thrived on a proper carry-on. He enjoyed being social, sharing stories, laughs, and moments that turned into memories. He lived life to the full, without hesitation or half measures, and that is exactly how he will be remembered, as a man who embraced life, loved fiercely, laughed loudly, and left a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to know him.

A service of celebration for the life of Brian will take place in Falkirk Crematorium on Monday, 19th January, at 12:15 pm.

Family and friends are welcome to attend.

Brian's request was that there be no black or jeans worn on the day of his service. He would much rather see everyone looking smart, happy, and ready to celebrate his life in true Brian style.

Further service and donation details can be found on Brian’s dedicated memorial page below:

brian-clark-1973-2025.muchloved.com

It is a great honour for us to be entrusted with Brian's care and service arrangements. As always, our thoughts and love remain with all of Brian’s family members, as well as all of his many friends, during this extremely difficult time.

Rest in eternal peace, Brian 🖤🤍

“A great husband, dad, and friend, a great laugh, and a full life, a legacy to be proud of.”

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

07/01/2026

🖤🤍 Bereavement Get Together – January 🖤🤍

We’d like to let everyone know that our first bereavement get together of the year will take place next Wednesday, 14th January, at our usual time of 5:30pm for a 6:00pm start.

Please note that we have changed venue for our monthly gatherings. From this month onwards, we’ll be meeting at Blackmill Bar & Kitchen,
193 Carronshore Road, Carron, Falkirk, FK2 8ES.

We have a private space where we can speak openly, feel safe, support one another, and spend time with others who truly understand what it means to live with loss.

We would also like to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful staff at The Park Hotel for accommodating our event every month for the last three years. Your support has helped us be there, both personally and professionally, for local people during some of their most difficult times. We are truly grateful for all your kindness and support.

As always, everyone is welcome. You don’t need to book, just come along. We look forward to seeing you all soon 🖤🤍

06/01/2026

Resting safely in the care of our family 🖤🤍

EASTON, Ashlee
Brightons

With heavy hearts, on behalf of her loving family, we announce the passing of Ashlee Easton.

Ashlee passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family’s love, at her home address on Saturday, 3rd January 2026, aged 19 years. A much-loved daughter of Donald and Lisa, a loving sister to Jayden, a cherished granddaughter of Brian and Lyn, and girlfriend to Jamie.

For thirteen years, Ashlee fought bravely and never allowed her illness to define her. She showed courage, resilience, and a quiet strength that inspired everyone who knew her.

She was a wonderful daughter, sister, and granddaughter. Her family was her world, and the bond she shared with them was unbreakable. She brought warmth, comfort, and light into their lives, and her presence filled every room she entered.

Beautiful inside and out, Ashlee’s kindness and gentle heart allowed her to see beauty in life, even during its hardest moments.

Though her life was far too short, her legacy is lasting. She will be remembered not for the illness she faced, but for the remarkable young woman she was and the love she leaves behind.

A service of celebration for the life of Ashlee will take place in Falkirk Crematorium on Friday, 16th January, at 3:15 pm.

Family and friends are welcome to attend.

Further service and donation details can be found on Ashlee’s dedicated memorial page below:

ashleeeaston.muchloved.com

We are deeply honoured to be entrusted with Ashlee’s care and service arrangements. As always, our thoughts and love remain with all of Ashlee’s family members and her many friends during this incredibly difficult time.

Rest in eternal peace, Ashlee 🖤🤍

“She brought endless light into our lives, and that light will never fade.”

For all inquiries, please contact Sam & Andrew at Middlefield, Falkirk, 01324 636446.
merrileesfuneraldirectors.co.uk

06/01/2026

The family of the much-loved Carole McGinley would like to express their deepest gratitude to all friends and family who gathered to celebrate her life on Monday, December 29th, at St Margaret’s Roman Catholic Church and Warriston Crematorium.

A special thank you goes to Father John McGinley for delivering a beautiful Mass in Carole’s honour, and for the continued support and guidance offered. Heartfelt thanks also go to The Flower Girls for Carole’s stunning floral tributes.

Carole had a profound impact on all who knew her. Her passing has left an emptiness that cannot be replaced, and she will be deeply missed by her family and friends. The memories she shared with them will remain forever in their hearts and lovingly cherished.

Caring for Carole, supporting her wonderful family, and learning more about the lovely person she was has been both a privilege and an honour. We will continue to support them in the weeks and months ahead, in any way we can.

Rest in eternal peace, Carole 🖤🤍

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

06/01/2026

The family of the much-loved Mary Cossar (May) would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all family and friends who came together to celebrate her life on Tuesday, 30th December, at Falkirk Crematorium.

Special thanks are given to Denise Jarvis Independent Civil Celebrant for leading such a beautiful service and for the care, support, and guidance she offered to the family. Thanks are also extended to the staff at the Grange Manor Hotel for their kindness and support in providing May’s funeral tea.

The family would also like to express their sincere appreciation for the generous donations received in May’s memory, which will be donated to Cancer UK and Alzheimer’s Scotland in her loving honour.

May touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her absence leaves a space that can never truly be filled, and she will be missed beyond words by her family and friends. The memories she leaves behind will be held close and treasured forever by all who loved her so dearly.

Caring for May, supporting her wonderful family, and learning more about the lovely person she was has been both a privilege and an honour. We will continue to support them in the weeks and months ahead, in any way we can.

Rest in eternal peace, May 🖤🤍

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

06/01/2026

The family of the much-loved Irene Denholm would like to express their deepest gratitude to all friends and family who gathered to celebrate her life on Tuesday, December 30th, at Falkirk Crematorium.

A special thank you goes to Denise Jarvis Independent Civil Celebrant for delivering such a beautiful service, capturing Irene so perfectly, and for the support and guidance offered to the family. Heartfelt thanks also go to Lynne at Poppy's & Petals, for Irene’s beautiful floral tributes.

Additionally, the family is deeply grateful for the generous donations made in Irene’s memory. These will now be donated to Dementia UK in her loving honour.

Irene touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her absence leaves a space that can never truly be filled, and she will be missed beyond words by her family and friends. The memories she leaves behind will be held close and cherished forever by all who loved her so dearly.

Caring for Irene, supporting her wonderful family, and learning more about the lovely person she was has been both a privilege and an honour. We will continue to support them in the weeks and months ahead, in any way we can.

Rest in eternal peace, Irene 🖤🤍

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

31/12/2025

As we prepare to step into 2026, we want to take a moment to speak from the heart and thank all of the wonderful families who have trusted us during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Thank you for choosing us, for allowing us to care for your loved ones, and for welcoming us into your lives. So many of you have become more than families we have supported; you have become friends, and your kindness, support, and continued belief in what we do mean more to us than words can ever truly express.

We also know, first-hand, how incredibly hard it can be to begin a new year without that special someone by your side. We see you, we acknowledge the pain you carry, and we hold space for it. As the calendar turns to a new year, please remember that moving forward does not mean leaving your loved one behind. We truly believe those we love are always around us, and that they continue to be remembered and honoured through us, in the lives we live and in everything we do.

Our wonderful little business would not be what it is today without the trust you place in us. It is a privilege we never take lightly, and we are deeply grateful for every conversation, every shared memory, and every journey we have been honoured to walk alongside you.

We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the many people who work alongside us and support our families with such care and professionalism. To Falkirk Council, including the office teams, cemetery and crematorium staff, and the venues and caterers who help us with funeral teas. We can't thank you all enough for your compassion and dedication.

Special thanks to all the wonderful celebrants, priests and ministers we have had the privilege of working with. Your words, guidance and presence bring comfort when it is needed most. And to the wonderful florists who support our families in creating floral tributes that are always so thoughtful and beautiful, thank you for the care and love you pour into every single arrangement.

As we look ahead to 2026, we wish each and every one of you peace, health and hope in the year to come. Please remember that we are always here for you and will continue to support you in any way we can, whenever you need us.

We are so thankful to be walking into 2026 with so many wonderful people by our side.

With all our love, heartfelt thanks and warmest wishes,

Sam & Andrew 🖤🤍

30/12/2025

The family of the much-loved Stephen Taylor would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who came together to celebrate Stephen’s life on Monday, 22nd December, at Falkirk Crematorium. They also wish to thank everyone for the love, kindness, and support received in the days and weeks following Stephen’s sudden passing. This has been a great source of strength and comfort during this incredibly difficult time.

Heartfelt thanks are also extended to Rev. William Docherty for delivering a lovely service for Stephen, and to Erin and Stephen’s daughter, Lara, for a fitting eulogy that captured Stephen and what was most important to him so perfectly. Thanks are also given to George’s friend and to Siobhan at BITTERSWEET BLOSSOM for the care shown in creating Stephen’s beautiful floral tributes.

The family would also like to express their sincere appreciation for the generous donations received at the service and through Stephen’s dedicated memorial page. These contributions will be donated to Strathcarron Hospice in loving memory of Stephen.

It was extremely comforting to see so many people come together to honour Stephen’s memory. The number of those in attendance spoke volumes about how genuinely loved he was and how deeply his loss is felt. Stephen’s legacy will live on through his kids, the love he shared, and the memories he created. He will be remembered always for his cheeky smile, his love of life, and the warmth he brought into every room he entered.

Caring for Stephen, learning more about his life, and supporting his lovely family has been a true honour and privilege. We will continue to support them in the weeks and months ahead in any way we can.

Rest in eternal peace, Stephen ❤️🤍💙

"May he rest in peace and love. His spirit will always be remembered.”

29/12/2025

For those who are unable to attend the service for Mary Cossar. (May), her family have kindly requested that we share the live stream link below.

May’s service will take place at Falkirk Crematorium on Tuesday 30th December at 10 AM.

The live stream will be available to access approximately five minutes prior to the service.

https://www.wesleymedia.co.uk/webcast-view

Please use the webcast login pin 903-4632 to access the live stream 🖤🤍

While issues are rare, due to the nature of the internet, live streaming can be subject to external influences that can cause interruption or disruption to the broadcast and/or recording of services. No guarantee is given that audio/visual data delivered over the internet will be uninterrupted or er...

27/12/2025

Resting safely in the care of our family 🖤🤍

GARDNER, James
Hallglen

With heavy hearts, on behalf of his loving family, we announce the passing of James Gardner (Jim).

Jim passed away suddenly at home on Friday, 12th December 2025, aged 62. He was a beloved husband to Tracey, a loving dad to Chris, Kyle, Hanna and Sammi, a much-loved grandad to Sophie and Aurora, a brother, an uncle, and a great friend to many.

Jim was a real character, the kind of man you didn’t forget once you’d met him. He was well thought of by everyone who knew him, and he left his mark wherever he went. As a lorry driver, he spent many years on the road, working hard and doing what he knew best, earning the respect of those he worked alongside. He always did the best he could for his family, and he and Tracey were building a life together, sharing many good times along the way.

His passing was sudden and deeply heartbreaking, but the memories he leaves behind are filled with love, laughter, and pride. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him and will always be lovingly remembered.

A service of celebration for the life of Jim will take place in Falkirk Crematorium on Wednesday, 7th January, at 12:15 pm.

Family and friends are welcome to attend.

Further service and donation details can be found on Jim’s dedicated memorial page below:

james-gardner-1963-2025.muchloved.com

It is a great honour for us to be entrusted with Jim’s care and service arrangements. As always, our thoughts and love remain with all of Jim’s family members as well as all of his many friends, during this extremely difficult time.

Rest in eternal peace, Jim 🖤🤍

“Peacefully resting, forever loved.”

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

25/12/2025

Today we held or third amazing Community Christmas Day Dinner, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who came along and shared the day with us. Your presence is what truly makes this so special.

To every single person who donated towards the food and drink, and to the local businesses who support us year after year, you play a huge part in making this all possible. Every year the dinner gets bigger, and that is absolutely amazing to see. It’s a true reflection of the kindness and generosity within our wonderful community.

A very special thank you to St Francis RC Church for the continued use of their hall, Ann at Camelon Bowling Club and Grace Coasters Cafe, thank you for helping us out with catering equipment.

We are incredibly grateful to all the businesses and individuals who supported us:

• The Zetland Pantry
•Brambles snacks
• Lalli’s/Londis
• Michaela Tripney
• Grant Crosbie
• The Graeme Pharmacy
•Spirit N Sky - A Spiritual Connection
• Falkirk CSA Staff
• Finnegans
•The Auld Vic Staff and customers
•Flock & Whisk Bakery
• Piece of Cake by Lucía
• Icons Bar
• McKewans Bakery
• Clare Murray

(And sincere apologies if we’ve missed anyone — every single contribution is massively appreciated.)

The atmosphere at the meal is something really special. Seeing how much people not only enjoy the day, but genuinely look forward to it, reminds us why we do this. None of it would be possible without the collective support of our community and local businesses.

Special thanks to our wonderful volunteer chefs and helpers on the floor, as always, you worked so hard and made everyone feel so welcome and comfortable.

And lastly, a huge thank you to our family, who are there in the run-up and on the day itself. Having you all beside us makes it even more special.

Seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter makes all the hard work completely worthwhile.

Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts — and we’ll see you at Christmas 2026!!!

All our love and best wishes

Sam & Andrew 🖤🤍