Tributes paid to Drumchapel father of one Anton Munro killed in collision with lorry on A76

Former St Columba’s High pupil Anton Munro, occasionally known as Anton Mcateer, was killed when his car hit a lorry on the A76 in Dumfries and Galloway at mid-day on Monday.

Hundreds of friends took to Facebook to pay tribute to the Drumchapel man’s infectiously happy personality and positive spirit.

His flatmate, James Wallace, 23, from Drumchapel, said Anton was “the life and soul of any situation.”

“I’m absolutely shocked,” he continued. “I have lost the best friend I will ever have.

“If he noticed anything was bothering me, he told me to get my head up. It was very hard for your head to go down around him.

“I don’t ever want to go back to the flat, it will be too sad.”

Anton valeted cars and owned a decorating company.

He was a big Celtic fan and had a big passion was cars, according to one family member.

A family representative, who did not want to be named, said: “We are really shocked and overcome with grief. We appreciate all messages of support and the kindness that’s been shown at this tough time.

“Anton was always happy and always the practical joker. If you went to a party, you wanted to sit at his table.”

Messages on Anton’s Facebook page from heartbroken friends said he was always in a good mood and went out his way to cheer others up.

Lauren-Leigh McGowan wrote on Facebook: “Who am I going to fall asleep on Facetime to now? Last week you stayed up till five talking to me because I had a bad dream. How I wish this was a bad dream. Can’t believe I’ll never wake up to my wee good morning texts again.

“You’ll always have a special place in my heart.... Ma Anton.”

Michelle Kinnon said: “RIP Anton Mcateer. Knew you since you were a pup, turned out one of the best wee guys out.”

Anton would routinely keep his legion of friends amused with Facebook videos and Snapchat stories.

Christina McKenzie Waddell said: “It still doesn’t seem real, half expect you to pop up on Facebook with another daft post. Taken far too soon.”

Leenan Donaghy wrote: “Sitting here bawling my eyes out thinking of everything. Devastated is an understatement to how I feel right now.

“[I] keep opening my Snapchat expecting your story to pop up can’t believe I’m never gonna’ see you again So many memories of the nutter and his antics. So unfair. Just wish we got to say goodbye.”

Danielle McInall said: “I can’t believe I’m writing this. I’m going to miss your mental phone calls and your banter, [you] always knew how to make me laugh. You were one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met.”

Stephanie Jeffrey wrote: “Love you kid. Can’t stop crying, [I’m] going to miss you so much. All the fun times we had. Lucky to call you my pal. [I] don’t know what to say apart from love you, RIP.”

Anton Munro

Anton was between Auldgirth and Thornhill when his Volkswagen Golf collided with an Iveco lorry driven by a 53-year-old man from Cumbernauld, who was not hurt.

Inspector Campbell Moffat said: “We are still appealing for any witnesses to this crash to get in touch with us at Dumfries through 101.”

More than £400 was raised to help Anton’s family with the funeral in just 15 hours on an online fundraising page. He is survived by his mother, father and daughter, Eryn.

The donation page organiser, Colin Eakin, wrote: “We’ll always remember Anton and he deserves the best send off we can give him.”

Even those who only knew him briefly were distraught. Two men who met him on holidays in Spain and Greece left heartfelt messages on his Facebook page.

Renoire Da’Silva said: “You may have only been my guest for two weeks but that was long enough to know what an amazing person you was. You gave me two weeks of your life I’m not gonna forget.”

Henry Murphy said: “I met you a year ago nearly to the date on holiday in Malia and had the best two weeks ever.”

“We clicked instantly and became Malia brothers.

“You were the life and soul of the party and there was never a dull moment when you were about.”

Visit www.gofundme.com/298mah3a to donate to the family’s funeral fund.