TRIBUTES have been paid to a Tullibody man who was instrumental in bringing the community together after Covid.

Known for his passion for fishing and dancing, John Meek sadly passed away at the age of 86 on May 28 and will sorely be missed by all who knew him.

On Monday, June 5, there was a special celebration of John's life at Tullibody Civic Centre during an event he brought to the community together with his granddaughter.

Indeed, John was instrumental in bringing tea dances to the centre following Covid in what has proved a popular and successful idea.

It was all humble beginnings at the start with recorded music playing before the event grew to include live bands, a buffet and more.

LIFE IS FOR LIVING: John and Charmaine at a previous tea dance

LIFE IS FOR LIVING: John and Charmaine at a previous tea dance

John's granddaughter Charmaine Carter told the Advertiser: “Covid hit my granddad very hard, he ended up in the house for 14 weeks.

“He never really seen everybody and after that he missed his dancing – that was something that he loved to do.

“It was a wee suggestion that we try and maybe get the community back together, get all your older ages back in and try to do things because there were no clubs or anything like that.”

The event grew to some 30-40 people or more attending each week with extra tables having to be brought in as the tea dances gained popularity.

TRIBUTE: This weeks tea dance paid tribute to John who was instrumental in bringing the event about - Pictures by Ben Montgomery Photography

TRIBUTE: This week's tea dance paid tribute to John who was instrumental in bringing the event about - Pictures by Ben Montgomery Photography

John, a former miner, was always very outgoing, even after the passing of his beloved wife Margaret.

He was also keen on fishing and Charmaine said: “My pops was a very-very keen fisherman, he used to take salmon up to the tea dance.

“He was well-known for his salmon, if you say John Meek's name everybody kens that's the man that gives you the fish!”

Despite a cancer diagnosis, John sought to live his life to the maximum as long as he could.

Charmaine said: “He loved socialising, he was a very social person.

“He had a very positive outlook on life, he said life was for living – believe you me he lived right up to the last couple of days.”

John was a loving husband to Margaret until she passed away a few years ago and their granddaughter said they were “like a wee comedy duo” who met during a dance many moons ago.

“They were a very sociable couple, they just loved being around people,” Charmaine added.

A celebration of John's life will also go ahead at St Serf's Church in Tullibody next Tuesday, June 13, from 10.30am.

Thereafter it will be to Tullibody Cemetery for 11am before the celebration of John's life continues at Dunmar House Hotel to which all are invited.

John had wished for donations to Strathcarron Hospice in lieu of flowers.