Tributes have been paid to RJM Sports’ Robert Marshall, who continually supported his local community and district sports clubs.

Tributes have been paid to a popular Falkirk businessman and community champion who went over and above to support district sports clubs.

Robert Marshall, who was the “heart and soul” of Grangemouth-based sports supplier RJM Sports, has died at the age of 68.

A well-known face within the local football community, Robert was also part of the fabric at Camelon Juniors - having been a player, board member and friend of the club.

Most of the Falkirk district sports clubs or organisations, amateur or senior, will have had the pleasure of dealing with Robert over the years.

A dedicated kit supplier, Robert also used his role to support a number of charitable causes and simply give back to the clubs and organisations that had supported him and RJM Sports.

A post on RJM Sports’ social media from the Marshall family read: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the very sad news that our beloved Dad, Robert, has passed away.

“Dad was the heart and soul of RJM Sports, a business he built with immense pride, passion and dedication.

“Over the years, he became a familiar and much-loved face to so many people, and we know he will be deeply missed by customers, friends, colleagues and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported Dad and RJM Sports over the years. Whether you have been a customer, supplier, colleague, friend or simply someone who stopped by for a chat, your kindness and support has meant so much to Dad and to all of us.

“We are completely heartbroken and this is an incredibly difficult time for our family.

“We would be grateful for your patience and understanding over the coming days as we take some time to grieve and come to terms with our loss. Thank you for all the kind messages, thoughts and support.

“They genuinely mean more than we can put into words. Janet, Grant & Nicola and all the colleagues at RJM Sports.”

A post from Camelon Juniors read: “Everyone at Camelon Juniors Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player, board member and friend of the club, Robert Marshall.

“Robert had a long-standing connection with Camelon, having represented the Mariners as a player before going on to become a great friend and supporter of the club.

“Through the business he built, RJM Sports, Robert continued that relationship for many years, with RJM proudly supplying the club and supporting Camelon both on and off the pitch.

“Steven Allison, the club’s director of football, added: “Robert was genuinely one of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet. Nothing was ever too much trouble for Robert.

“Whether it was football, business or simply helping someone out, he was always there. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word and will be sorely missed by so many people, particularly throughout the football community, where he made countless friends over the years

“Everyone at Camelon Juniors sends our love and deepest condolences to Robert’s wife Janet, son Grant, daughter Nicola, his wider family, friends and everyone at RJM Sports at this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Robert. You will be greatly missed.”

Robert is survived by his wife Janet and his two children, son Grant and daughter Nicola.