An icon within the Paisley community has retired after serving Buddies for more than three decades.
Des Barr has been a monumental figure in the town with many people having encountered his infectious smile at his shop, Sinclair Barr Newsagents on Glasgow Road, since its opening in 1990.
Being at the forefront of many people’s days, Des built up strong connections with Buddies far and wide – and it has been a journey he admits he will never forget after starting out with business partner Graeme Sinclair.
Announcing the news to his customers earlier this month that he was calling it a day, the 64-year-old said it “saddens” him to be retiring after 34 years.
Earlier this year, Des suffered a stroke and, although he is well and truly on the mend and getting back to his old self, the early rises at 2.25am and cold weather have made it more difficult for him to continue operating at the high level that he strives for.
Reflecting on the decision to retire, Des told the Paisley Daily Express: “I don’t see myself as retired and don’t think I will.
“The shop and customers meant everything to me and they played a huge part in my day, every day, when coming into the shop. You met some brilliant characters and they were all incredible. I don’t think I could do it without them.
“There was not a single day that I regretted going into the shop to work, even when things were going against me. That was down to the people I worked with and the customers.”
Des worked with Paul McLister, Michael McCulloch and Danny Walsh who were all integral to the business over the years, with Paul running the shop when Des fell ill as Michael has been in Australia.
The business is now under new ownership after the shop was sold to Mearns News Ltd at the start of December.
Des says it was the right time to sell and welcomed the new owners who have over 20 years of experience running shops in Newton Mearns and Clarkston, East Renfrewshire.
Having started off working at Renfrew District Council in 1978 – where he met Bryce Paton who he regards as one of the most influential figures in his life – Des moved on to pastures new to open his shop.
He is also a community activist, and has long campaigned with the group he founded – Friends of Hawkhead Cemetery – which aims to prevent the council from “disrespecting” people’s graves by toppling headstones deemed to be unsafe.
Speaking in the past, Des said that Renfrewshire Council could use “various methods” to help alert families to the process.
Previously, he told the Paisley Daily Express: “What I want them to do is think twice about this, stop and think about if this is correct.
“What they claim is that they are unable to get in touch with the lair holder and that there is no point as far as they are concerned to go further.”
He is still looking to support the group and the cause which means a lot to him. Des is aiming to stay active after he recovers and says he will be working on projects when he is fit and healthy.
He has also thanked everyone that he has worked with and served over the counter throughout the years.
“People such as Graeme and Bryce were really influential to me and really helped me,” he added. “Thank you to everyone who I crossed paths with – the shop was made special by everyone who entered it.”
Scott Robertson, a customer at the newsagent for 25 years, paid tribute to Des for his efforts down the years and recalled a time when even media tycoon Rupert Murdoch paid a visit.
“He was a focal point of the community and always knew what was happening as he genuinely cared for everyone,” Scott told the Paisley Daily Express.
“He is a great people person and always cared for his customers and those around him.
“I was in the shop that day Rupert Murdoch appeared and he thanked Des for the amount of papers he had been selling. It shows you not only the love he had for his job, but also for the community, as you can see through his projects. He will be missed.”
Paisley Daily Express Editor Colin Paterson added: “From everyone on the team, we would like to thank Des for everything he did for our paper. It has been a pleasure working with him over many years and we wish him a long and happy retirement.”
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