TRIBUTES have been paid to a grandfather from Burnley who died after collapsing on a golf course.

Stuart MacPhail, 54, suffered a blood clot in his heart and died instantly on a fairway while playing with his friend Paul Graham.

His youngest son, Dominic, said he was ‘loved by everyone’.

Mr MacPhail, known as Mack to his friends and family, had been previously fit and healthy until he collapsed on a course in Leeds on May 17.

A former student at Burnley Grammar School, Mr MacPhail, of Hillside, worked for Liverpool Road firm Futaba-Tennaco for more than 20 years as an machine operator and welder.

His death marks a second tragedy for Dominic and his brother Nathan, whose mother, Denise, died from a brain tumour 12 years ago, aged 43.

Dominic, 26, who works as an aircraft fitter at Aircelle, said: “It was so sudden and shocking.

Golf was his favourite hobby and he would travel all over to play.

“He loved Everton FC as well and had a season ticket there.

“He passed away on the golf course. They were walking up the fairway and Paul noticed he was struggling along behind. Paul tried his best but it looks like the clot was in his heart. I was at home having a barbecue that he was supposed to come to but obviously he never made it.

“He was always a popular and happy person. He never fell out with anyone and I never heard anyone say a bad word about him.”

Mr MacPhail, who was a regular punter in the Rose and Crown and General Williams pubs in Manchester Road, leaves his sons and two grandsons; Morgan, nine, and Luke, two. He also leaves a brother, Darren, and a sister, Suzanne Longbottom.

His funeral is due to take place today at Burnley Crematorium, Accrington Roa-d, at noon.