A FATHER of three who was tragically killed in a road smash was at the centre of an emotional tribute on Saturday night.

 

Police Scotland Inspector John Woods passed away almost instantly when his car collided head on with an articulated lorry on Tuesday as he travelled along a busy Ayrshire road.

The father-of-three, who lived in Elderslie in Renfrewshire, was driving on the A736 at Lugton around 2pm when his Kia struck the HGV.

Mr Woods, who is survived by his partner Alison Weir as well as his children, was a keen ice hockey enthusiast and a season ticket holder at Glasgow Elite League side the Braehead Clan.

And in a moving gesture, the club held a minute's silence in his memory before their game with Edinburgh Capitals on Saturday.

Over 3,500 people - including his partner Alison - took part in the tribute prior to Clan's 5-1 win - a victory which was dedicated to him by Braehead head coach Ryan Finnerty.

Speaking exclusively to the Evening Times, he said: "John was involved in a charity match between the police and the fire service a few months ago to raise money to commemorate the anniversary of the Clutha bar tragedy so that tells you the kind of man he was.

"I never got to meet him in person but it is still tough. We heard about what happened during the week and it is absolutely tragic.

"The minute's silence is the least we could do and it's unbelievable that his family were able to show the strength to come and support us on Saturday.

"I'm just happy we managed to get the win for John. Some things in life are bigger than sport and our hearts go out to Alison and his family."

Today a close friend of Mr Woods said: "The support received by Braehead and everyone around the family has been such a support over the last few days.

"Alison and John were a wonderful couple, they sparkled together and he adored her.

"Going to the ice hockey was something they both enjoyed along with Alison's children, and she knew he would have wanted her to go on Saturday. She wore his jersey on the night."

A Braehead Clan spokesman added: "Everyone at Braehead Clan was shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic news on Tuesday.

"Our thoughts are with John's friends and family."

Mr Woods attended John Galt Primary School and Irvine Royal Academy before going to Glasgow University, where he graduated with a Master of Arts Degree in French, German, History and Politics.

After gaining a teaching diploma at Jordanhill, he taught as a supply teacher in various Ayrshire schools before changing career and joining Strathclyde Police in 1996.

In a statement issued through police last week, his family said: "For the past three years John occupied a vital role in the control room in Helen Street station where he was largely responsible for deploying forces as required in response to emergency calls.

"John, 42, was highly respected by all his colleagues and will be sadly missed by all who knew and worked with him."

The 54-year-old lorry driver was not injured in the collision.