Respected building trade supplier John W Grant has died aged just 59, sparking tributes from across the country.
He leaves his wife Anne, five children and a workforce of 95 who remain in shock.
The company JW Grant was founded in 1968 by his father, who shares the same name, John Wilson Grant.
John, who took over as managing director aged 40, died in hospital last Monday after being taken in just after Christmas.
His general manager Drew Coll worked with him for 31 years and said: “There are a lot of sad people about Paisley at the moment.
“He was just such a nice man, the best to have worked with.
“He had 95 staff and he was a friend to every single one of them. He was not just a boss, he would have spent time with any of them.”
John had started helping at the company as a 12-year-old and was totally immersed in the business.
The firm’s distinctive blue delivery lorries are well known in the West of Scotland .
As well as the Paisley Love Street headquarters, there are branches in Maryhill, Coatbridge and Kilmarnock, which John added eight years ago to capture a slice of the Ayrshire market.
Founder John W Grant Snr survives his son. Outside work he doted on his children – who range in age from 16 to 34 – and was a keen St Mirren fan.
He also supported local football teams, hospices and bowling clubs with sponsorship.
Drew added: “John was very charitable and wouldn’t turn anyone away who had come to him – if a football team needed a set of strips, they got a set of strips.”
Asked if there is anything in particular he would remember about him, Drew said: “Right now I am lost for words, I am totally gutted to be honest.
“He is one of the best guys I have ever met.
“I have been getting phone calls from the four corners of Britain from people – suppliers and other builders merchants – who knew him and us as a business.
“Nobody can believe what happened, he was so well liked and nobody ever said a bad word against him.”
John’s family home was in Riccartsbar Avenue, but they moved to Bishopton four years ago.
A statement released by the family said: “John was as sharp as a tack when it came to the business and kept his eye on the ball every minute of the day.
“He was always on hand to offer excellent advice when it came to making decisions which were in the company’s best interest.
“All of our family have been overwhelmed by the many, many messages of condolence and support.”
Three of his children - John, James and Jessica - now work for the business. He also leaves Victoria and Euan.
