Treasured memories of “a gentle, proud and decent fella” are being recalled by the family of John Virtue, who died unexpectedly two weeks ago.


The family of the popular 31-year-old are grieving the loss of a young man who “made an impact with everyone he met.” Known to his family as “the gentle one”, Mr Virtue died at his home in Fortview Park, Kesh on January 20.


A keen footballer, his death has left a void in his team NFC Kesh and at his former club Lisnarick.


Speaking to The Impartial Reporter, Mr. Virtue’s family said they “have been left deeply saddened and shocked by the sudden death of John, a well known, popular and loved local man”.


They revealed that Mr. Virtue had purchased his first home just over one year ago and “it was his pride and joy; nothing was out of place.”

“John would have helped anyone without having to be asked. He always saw the good in everyone and didn’t have a bad word to say to or about anyone,” the family continued.

 

They added: “He was known as the ‘Gentle One’.
"John was a quiet, humble fella but knew how to silence a room with his one-liners and funny jokes.
"He was blessed with lots of friends near and far and always made time for them.”


Mr. Virtue “had a passion for football” and played for both NFC Kesh and Lisnarick Football Club from a young age. He was a former pupil of Kesh Primary School and the Duke of Westminster, Kesh. 
His family added: “John was a true family man and his family where very important to him. He spoke to all of his family every day at some stage.
"He especially doted on his three nieces. Where they where concerned ‘No’ was never an option; it just didn’t exist!”

 

Mr. Virtue’s well-attended funeral service “spoke volumes of how popular, loved and respected he was,” the family concluded.
Mr Virtue’s funeral was held at Colaghty Parish Church followed by burial in the adjoining graveyard.

 

He is survived by his mother, Denise; father, William; brothers, Alistair, Adrian, Colin (Jill), Raymond and Karl (Lisa); his sisters-in-law Joanne and Martina and his nieces Becky, Jody and Maddy.