"David became a soldier of God".
Tributes have been paid to a man who became a committed soldier of The Salvation Army.
David Tomlinson, who died aged 61, was a member of the corps leadership team in Ayr.
Captain Graeme Parkhill said: "Wendy and I arrived at the Corps in 2005 and we immediately noticed David's compassion and willingness to be involved in alleviating needs."
David, who lived in Crosshill, was enrolled as a soldier, along with his wife Iris in 2006. And in 2007 he joined the leadership team, with an important community role.
Captain Parkhill addressed a packed Masonhill Crematorium for David's funeral service, and said David pursued his role with great gusto.
Many people were given a helping hand by David, while others were given assistance in unseen ways. The captain added: "On a personal level - there are not eloquent enough words to tell of the worth David was to Wendy and I and the family. He was a great friend."
David had started attending The Salvation Army in the year 2000, when Alan and Ruth Hill were the corps officers. And for a number of weeks he would sit outside the hall in Ayr's New Road trying to pluck up the courage to go inside.
It took him a few weeks, but eventually he made it through the front door. And so began an association and commitment that was to last until his dying days.
David's health was not good, due to suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). But he took on the role of lay practitioner, traveling throughout Ayrshire supporting others with COPD.
Captain Parkhill said: "In my view, David was a great example of Christian compassion."
Residents of Aberley House in Ayr paid this tribute: "David was a very gentle and caring man who lightened the burden of so many unfortunate souls that ended up in the homeless system."
A Riverside Church spokesman said: "He was a great character with a huge amount of compassion for others. And he expressed this compassion in very practical loving action."
Glasgow-born David began his working life as a painter and decorator with his dad. He was a keen member of the Boys Brigade, joining the 137th Glasgow, and also serving as an officer. Even in his teenage years he was involved in helping the homeless folk in his native Glasgow.
David had two daughters with his first wife Barbara - Jill, when the family home was in Rutherglen; and Lynsey when they moved to Maybole.
