TRIBUTES have been paid to "lovely, kind and gentle soul" Connor McDowall after he died following a seven year battle with cancer.

The Evening Times told in April how the 19-year-old had just undergone a stem cell transplant in the hope of finally living a normal life.

Sadly, he died last week, leaving friends and family shocked to have lost the "loveliest and funniest" young man.

Pall bearers wearing St Mirren football tops will carry the Saints-daft teenager's coffin as he is laid to rest today at Woodside Crematorium in Paisley.

Connor's uncle, Derek Sutherland, had appealed on Facebook for St Mirren shirts, saying his nephew had been "an inspiration".

At Firhill on Saturday there was a minute's applause on the 19th minute as both St Mirren and Partick Thistle fans honoured Connor's life.

Connor and his mum, Angela Quinn, spoke in the Evening Times ahead of him appearing in the BBC's Scotland’s Superhospital.

On Facebook, Kayren Hamilton wrote: "I just found out that this amazing, brave young man, someone I am honoured to have known, Connor Mcdowall, sadly lost his long, arduous battle with cancer, at only 19 years old.

"He hadn't even begun to live his life yet and it was cruelly snatched away from him.

"He was a lovely, kind and gentle soul, and he would go out of his way to help you. He worshipped his mum, his hero.

"I honestly don't know how Angela is going to manage without her rock, her anchor. I can't imagine the pain she must be feeling.

"My heart is breaking for her, and for Connor, and the life he never had a chance to live. Rest in peace sweetheart, your mum will be looked after by everyone that loves you both.

"I know you know that anyway."

Connor had been diagnosed at the age of 12 after suffering pain in his knees and hip. He collapsed in October 2010 and was sent to the then-Yorkhill Hospital.

It later emerged Connor had leukaemia. Angela said she remembered Connor asking "Am I going to die?" and the doctor replying "I don’t know but I hope not."

Connor would then go on to have three-and-a-half years of chemotherapy, taken every day and sometimes even twice a day.

The treatment caused Acute Vascular Necrosis (AVN), where the bone dies due to lack of blood.

But he had huge support from his school, Trinity High School, and a close circle of friends.

Shellby Roberts wrote on Facebook: "Connor was one of the loveliest and funniest people I've known."

Raymond Mccloy added: "Broken hearted writing this.

"So sad to see a wonderful young man taken way too soon. Such a great lad. I can't even begin to describe my heartfelt sorrow at his passing.

"Thank you Connor for taking the time to help Ted along the way throughout his treatment. You were truly an inspiration.

"Rest in peace now lad."

At the age of 16 Connor, from Renfrew, went into remission but on a trip to New York with Angela he relapsed after just one year free of cancer.

More chemotherapy followed and, in April, he had a stem cell transplant at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

Sadly, he died on July 19.

Annemarie Kirkpatrick wrote: "Another life taken far too soon with this disease.

"Connor you were one of the loveliest young boys me and Stevie Jo had the privilege of meeting.

"You're in no more pain now sweetheart, you gave it one mighty fight."

Maggie Macdonald added: "Taken too soon Connor. Sleep well, matey.

"I salute you, a true hero in every sense of the word.

"Your watch is done now, time to stand down."

After Woodside Crematorium, Connor's life will be celebrated at St Mirren Park.

Mourners are asked to wear football scarves and tops.