The family of John Oliver has led tributes after the popular local businessman and Drumchapel community activist died last month.

John passed away on April 30 and was laid to rest on Saturday, May 9 with immediate family only able to attend the burial.

However, the community of Drumchapel turned out to pay their last respects, lining the streets to show their support for John and his family.

Nicola Mullen, John’s niece, told the Post: “John really was one of a kind. He was a Drumchapel man through and through.

“Drumchapel was John’s home and he was proud of it. He fought hard for the community behind closed doors, never looking for praise or recognition for his work.”

Raised in Drumchapel, John’s first business was a coach hire company, set up in 1972, which soon grew into the taxi service still in operation today.

He also ran a mobile grocery van and later a grocer’s shop as well as a bar, lounge and function suite which became a favourite haunt for many local residents.

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He worked closely with several councillors, teachers, police officers and sports groups to develop and open the Drumchapel Sports Centre in 1975 which he oversaw for many years before moving on to open Drumchapel Community Business Ltd (DCB) in Dalsetter Avenue.

Nicola continued: “DCB was his one passion – he worked closely with the manager, Liz, so it could thrive and support the people of Drumchapel and become a successful community business.

“John wanted to help many people to get on in life and have equal opportunities, especially when they fell on hard times.

“He’ll be a sore loss of Drumchapel and everyone who knew him.”

He also supported the creation of a remembrance garden at Pinewood School following the death of three Girl Guides and two adult leaders from the area in a bus crash in Glasgow in 1994.

The local Men Matter charity said in a Facebook post: “The kind gestures you did for our group will stick with us forever.

“I think it’s fair to say you undoubtedly saved lives in our community.”

A friend and business partner added: “He was keen to help anyone. He would make a job up so he could give you a wage if you were on hard times or you’d lost your job.

“If John could help, he wouldn’t let a man down.”