With broken hearts we share that John passed peacefully at St Andrew’s Hospice on Monday 2nd December surrounded by loved ones and family.  John, 47 years old, is a dearly loved and deeply missed dad to Zoe and John, son to John and Phyl (deceased), brother to David and Joanne, brother-in-law to Lesley Anne and Jonathan, uncle to Jack, Amy, Luke, Aidan and Grace, nephew, cousin, friend, colleague and teacher.  

John fought bravely for 4 months and showed us all what courage, strength and resilience looks like as he faced head-on the toughest challenge any of us could face.  Described as the “best of all of us” and a “hero” by his pupils past and present, John was always thinking of others, charming, encouraging, with a deep sense of community spirit and a twinkle in his big blue eyes.

We would like to thank our extended family and his amazing group of friends and colleagues who were such a source of support, comfort and laughter for John in the months since his diagnosis.  Thank you to the wonderful staff at Wishaw General Hospital and especially St Andrew’s Hospice who gave us the precious gift of more time with John to create very special memories that will stay with us forever.  

John will be received into St Mary’s RC Church (120 Cadzow Street, Hamilton, ML3 6HP) on Friday, 13th December at 6.30pm.