Tributes for a ‘stalwart’
Family suspect loved John passed from coronavirus
NICOLA FINDLAY
The family of a community stalwart who died from suspected coronavirus say he will leave a “massive hole” in their lives.
John Harpum, 79, has been described has a “rock” and “best friend” by grieving wife June.
He also leaves behind son, also John, and daughter, Stephanie, and granddaughter Susanna.
John was well-known in The Murray and in East Kilbride as a whole.
He was vice-chair for both Murray Community Council and East Kilbride Community Transport for five years getting involved after his retirement in 2011 until a stroke in 2016 caused him to step back.
John suffered a fall at home last week breaking his hip and was taken to Wishaw General Hospital.
He passed away with June at his side after developing a chest infection and breathing difficulties which may have been linked to COVID-19.
And June, 76, told the News that although heartbroken she and her family have vowed to celebrate John’s life properly once lockdown is over.
There will be a small service for 10 mourners at South Lanarkshire crematorium on Thursday.
“I want to thank everyone for all their support and kindness since John died,” June told the News.
“I have been inundated with flowers and cards and we will celebrate John’s life properly once this is all over.
“This isn’t the send-off John would have wanted – what he really wanted was a New Orleans style funeral with people dancing in the street.
“But in time we will have a memorial filled with happiness instead of sadness.”
John and June both hailed from the Glasgow area and met in the Flamingo Ballroom in Paisley Road West where cupid struck.
They married in 1962 and moved to East Kilbride in 1976, staying in the same house in The Murray ever since.
John was an electrician by trade and worked for various companies before latterly working for himself before his retirement.
And June said he was a happy, chatty guy who always wanted to help others.
“He was always telling jokes, not always good ones and our son swore he got them from the Dandy,” June went on.
“He was my rock, my best friend and I loved him to bits - I will miss him so much.
“John never had a bad word to say about anyone and was loved by everyone who met him.
“He was always willing to help folk and that’s how he will be remembered.”
June said she was grateful, however, to be by his side at the end after the family initially weren’t allowed to visit due to restrictions in place.
She added: “His op was put-off as medication he took thinned his blood. But he then developed a nasty chest infection and never got the op.
“He started having difficulty breathing and we got a phone call from the hospital saying we better go in.
“I had eventually said to the kids to go home as they had been there a while and I would stay the night.
“In the end he went quickly, the nurse said she would go and get me a cup of tea, I turned back round and he had stopped breathing.
“But I am so glad I was able to be with him and the children got to see him.”
Councillor John Anderson, chair of East Kilbride Community Transport, also paid tribute.
He said: “John was a community stalwart who frequently made us laugh with his jokes, he will be sadly missed by all.
“At this sad time I send my condolences and wish the family peace and comfort as they remember John.”