Paisley pensioner found dead in his home

Nov 14 2008 by Andrew Newport, Paisley Daily Express

HORRIFIED neighbours yesterday said they were shocked after a popular pensioner was found dead in his home.

Police were called to Windsor Crescent in Whitehaugh, Paisley after worried friends of John McFall noticed something odd about his house.

The 80-year-old father-of-two, known as Ingram to some folk, had not been spotted for several days and when his pals peered through his windows, they found his living room had been trashed.

However, the Paisley Daily Express understands that cops are not treating his death as suspicious.

Mr McFall, a member of Hawkhead Bowling Club, was the widower of late Labour councillor Elsie McFall, who died in 1996 and represented the Seedhill area under the former Renfrew District Council.

John’s pal Jim Hampton, 68, stays across the street and he called out detectives on Wednesday afternoon.

He said: “One of John’s other neighbours came across to my door and asked if John’s house looked normal.

“So I went across and had a look through the window and it was all trashed.

“It looked like someone had been on a wrecking spree.

“But I don’t think someone had broken in because the doors were all locked and his TV and DVD player were still sitting there.”

Jim, a neighbour of the retired mechanic for more than 15-years, added: “He was very active and kept well.

“He loved going up to the Highland Games in Cowal in Dunoon.

“This is a big shock.”

Another of Mr McFall’s neighbours, Marianne Dock, 53, added: “He was a lovely guy.

“I only spoke to him recently – he looked fine to me.

“I have no idea what has happened to him but I’m really shocked.

“I would always see him going to the pub every day for a wee pint.

“He’d always stop and say hello.

“He was very popular. It’s a good street here.

“It’s very quiet and we all look out for each other.

“I can’t believe he’s gone.”

Councillor Jackie Green served on Renfrew District Council with Mrs McFall.

He said: “I used to bump into John on the High Street now and again after his wife passed away. He was a nice, well-mannered gentleman.

“I’m very saddened by his passing and my thoughts are with his family.”

Detective Sergeant O’Hanlon from Paisley CID confirmed that his officers were called out to a sudden death at Windsor Crescent. But he added: “It is not being treated as suspicious at this moment.”