Tributes paid to "true gent" whose body was found in a flat

Jan 8 2013 by Gavin McInally, Paisley Daily Express

A tragic dad whose body was found in a flat by police was described yesterday by grieving friends as a “true gent” who will be sorely missed.

Heartfelt tributes poured in for John Weir, of Erskine, after his shock death at a property in Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire.

The body of the 36-year-old cab controller, who worked at West Renfrewshire Cabs, in Erskine, was discovered by cops in the early hours of Friday morning after a call from a member of the public.

And following the tragic discovery of the former Park Mains High School pupil, close friends who were struggling to come to terms with the news left messages on the popular dad’s Facebook page.

Pal Derek Stitt wrote: “Don’t think this one is going to sink in for a long time.

“You were a gentleman, a good friend and your big smile is going to be missed.

“There won’t be a person out there that knew and didn’t like big John.

“We should all try be a bit more like him and the world would be a happier place.

“Erskine won’t be the same. Rest in peace.”

Another close friend, Jade Bannerman, said: “It’s still not sinking in. I have a huge whole in my heart that aches just to hear your voice just one last time, to see you smile and to be in your arms.

“Love you always and forever.”

Rebecca O’Neill added: “John, a true gent, you will be missed by so many and we will remember you fondly.

“There was never a dull moment with you.”

John’s family were yesterday still too upset to talk about his death.

Police revealed his body was discovered in Beechwood Drive, in Alexandria, at about 1.50am on Friday.

●Yesterday a 24-year-old man appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on murder and attempting to pervert the course of justice charges.

Alan Baker, from Alexandria, appeared in the dock yesterday afternoon where he made no plea or declaration.

He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at court again on Monday, January 14.