Danielle Lappin, Reporter

THE family of a husband, father and grandfather who lost his battle to cancer have paid tribute to a “strong and inspirational” man.

Peter Logue, a well-known face in Helensburgh, passed away peacefully at the Beatson with his wife Suzanne by his side after fighting cancer for two years.

The 61-year-old, who was almost completely blind, had recently featured in the Advertiser for his charitable fundraising efforts in which he could regularly be seen playing the accordion in Colquhoun Square.

The Dumbarton-born man migrated to Canada in the early 1970s. He later married and had two boys and a grandson. Once Peter lost his sight he stayed home and cared for his sons.

Peter was divorced in 2001 and met Suzanne in 2002 and the couple went on to marry in 2007.

Paying tribute to Peter, Suzanne said: “We had a short but memorable time together. He was a caring, loving and kind man. That is why even though he was ill he took to raising money for charities.

“I will miss him greatly. He was truly a wonderful and loving man.”

After a health scare in 2006, Peter decided to take up the accordion and never looked back. Teaching himself initially, he continued learning under Gary Blair and was soon out busking

This was curtailed for a time when he was diagnosed with bowel cancer. After attending the Beatson he learned that the cancer had spread to his liver, but Peter kept on playing.

After surgery and two rounds of chemotherapy he was given the all-clear, but in January he learned that the cancer was back

Despite the news Peter remained positive and decided to continue to busk whenever he felt he could because it made him feel better that he was helping others.

He previously told the Advertiser: “I love playing. It’s just great when I can get up and out. I might not make much but it all adds up and I enjoy it.

“If I can help even a little with a warm meal for someone who needs it, I’ll be happy.”

Peter raised more than £2,000 for several charities, including Oxfam, the Salvation Army, Beatson Cancer Support and the Glasgow City Mission.

Just a few weeks ago Peter’s efforts were recognised when he was given the Hands Up for Trad Services to Charity Award.

Suzanne added: “Peter passed away having achieved the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame Award for his charity work and he was very grateful for this and for all the people who kindly donated while he was out busking.”

Peter’s sons Kevin and Stephen Logue paid tribute to him

Kevin said: “You were the one that stayed home with us while mom went to work, making sure we got up for breakfast and ate our dinner. You were there to teach, encourage and motivate me. Without you I would not be me.”

Stephen added: “You’re a fighter, you’re a strong man and you will always have a piece of my heart.

“Growing up and learning life lessons from you, you taught me that we’re all human and make mistakes. I learned that we all have worth and should cherish every moment.

“But the biggest thing I have to be grateful and appreciative for is that you are part of the reason for me becoming the man I grew to be, the man I am today, and the man I will continue to become.”

Kevin said: “You battled for two years never giving up, staying positive and continuing to try and leave the world a better place

“You used your passion of the accordion to make music, uplifting people’s day and raising money for those who needed it.

“In between surgeries and chemo treatments you used the little bit of energy and time you had to get out and raise money.

“You could have just sat at home in self-pity but you didn’t. You played right up until the end. Even a few weeks ago you were out there raising money busking in the middle of the town square.

"I’m so proud of your achievements and glad that you were able to see others recognise them.”

Tributes for Peter have been flooding in on social media and Suzanne is thankful for the support and beautiful words.

The family have asked that anyone who wishes to make a donation make it to the Beatson Charity on Peter’s JustGiving page to continue with his fundraising efforts.

Suzanne added: “I cannot say enough about the staff at the Beatson. Peter died peacefully and with dignity thanks to them”

Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Peter-Logue