Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Iona Young & Steven Rae

Tributes to 'amazing' Scots dad, 40, as family ask for Edinburgh derby applause

Tributes have poured in for a dad-of-three who died suddenly at his Edinburgh home, leaving family and friends heartbroken. John Arthur was tragically found dead on Thursday April 13.

The 40-year-old, who worked as a tiler, was described as a "brilliant dad" and a "perfect gentleman" who would do anything for his friends and family. He leaves behind sister Mary, 47, his children Chloe, 25, Louise, 19, and five-year-old Joshua as well as nephews Jordan and Brendan, reports Edinburgh Live.

John, from the Insch, was a lifelong Hearts fan, and fans at the Edinburgh derby this Saturday, when Hearts travel to play Hibs, are being asked to clap in the 39th minute in his memory.

Mary said: "We are just in shock - we were always very close. He was a beautiful father to three amazing kids - Chloe, Louise and Joshua. He was also very close with my two sons Jordan and Brendan - he was like a brother to them. I’m absolutely heartbroken, he was my rock. My brother was an amazing man.

"He had a brilliant sense of humour and was happy-go-lucky, and just a brilliant dad. John was a person who would give his all to his family and a wonderful friend. He was a lifelong Hearts fan. He will be loved and missed forever."

John with his daughter Chloe. (Supplied)

Best friend Staci Stenhouse is arranging a round of applause for John at Easter Road on Saturday. She said: "We met properly in 2016 at a friend's wedding and have been close friends ever since. He was one of the most genuine nicest guys you could ever meet.

"He would do anything for his friends and family and his smile was contagious. John was a true gentleman, one of a kind. He was a wind up too, especially to me about my mum which has been a running joke since the night we meet and she was driving the taxi home.

"I was just with him on Saturday having a laugh as always. He really will be missed by all who knew him. I am trying to arrange a minute of applause at 39 minutes tomorrow at Easter Road as John was a huge Hearts fan so he would have loved this. It’s such a heartbreaking time for all but this would be a lovely touch."

Dozens of other family and friends also paid their respects to John. Sally Murray said: "Absolutely devastated and heartbroken. Rest easy my big cousin."

John with his nephews. (Supplied)

Nadine Turnball said: "Rip John Arthur another one of the good guys gone far too soon. I'm in total shock, what is going on in this world? Thoughts are with Mary and of course John and his family at this heartbreaking time."

Jodie Morrison said: "Absolutely heartbroken John. You were the best cousin I could have had and I just can’t take this in. You’ll be with Jamie and your mum now."

While Angus Campbell added: "Rest in peace John Arthur, I love you, brother."

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here .

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.