Gillian Cleminson, 42, has paid a heartfelt tribute to her husband Keir, describing him as the "best dad" and her "soulmate" after he passed away on June 8 at St Margaret’s Hospice in Clydebank. The former police officer, who served on the beat in Glasgow before moving into digital forensics, died following a three-year battle with bowel cancer.
A Loving Husband and Father
Keir and Gillian met while working in a call centre in the early 2000s, and she recalled their relationship as a "slow burner" that blossomed into a perfect partnership. "We met when I was 18 and I am very lucky to have met my soulmate at such a young age. We had three kids together and 25 years of memories. Not a lot of people can get that," she said. The couple raised three children: Isabella, 18, Alfie, 14, and Jack, seven, in Scotstoun. Gillian described Keir as patient, kind, and encouraging, always supporting their children's interests.
Cancer Diagnosis and Battle
Keir received his bowel cancer diagnosis in 2023 after feeling unwell and underwent surgery to remove a tumour. Despite chemotherapy, the cancer returned in April 2025, leading to another surgery. Although doctors initially gave him the all-clear, he struggled with infections and was told in December that the cancer had returned. Opting against further chemotherapy, he chose to focus on making memories with his family while receiving palliative care at the hospice.
Special Moments and Hospice Care
In his final weeks, hospice staff arranged memorable experiences, including a visit from Scotland football star John McGinn and a trip to Celtic's final league match against Hearts. Gillian said, "McGinn apparently spent the whole time with Keir. The staff said John was really taken with Keir. Keir said John was a lovely guy and so down to earth." The family also enjoyed a sleepover at the hospice, complete with a projector and movie, which Gillian described as "amazing." Her son Jack remarked, "They treat dad like a king in there."
Community Support and GoFundMe
To ease the family's financial burden, hospice staff set up a GoFundMe campaign that has raised over £5,000. Gillian, who is self-employed, expressed gratitude: "It's overwhelming. The reality that so many people face is financial difficulty and there's practical help that I definitely need. People are so kind and generous." She added that friends and family have been "phenomenal" throughout the ordeal.
