Tributes have flooded for an 'irreplaceable legend' Scottish DJ who died after a life-long battle with cancer. Paisley local Stephen McIntyre, affectionately known as 'Mini', spun the decks at popular nightspot Club 69 for a number of years before he sadly passed away on July 15.
The 43-year-old told The Daily Record last year how he had first been diagnosed with stage three Hodgkin's Lymphoma when he was 19 after discovering a lump on his neck.
After successful treatment, he lived cancer free for 20 years before being diagnosed with a rare salivary gland cancer in 2019, which doctors could find no other cases of in the world. After undergoing extensive surgeries to successfully remove the tumour, he was told last year that it had again returned and there were no options left to fight it.
Stephen was receiving chemotherapy at the Beatson Centre in Glasgow and went for self-funded hyperthermia treatment in Dusseldorf in Germany before his death earlier this month. He was laid to rest on Wednesday.
Tributes poured in from around the country following the sad news, with colleagues taking to Facebook to remember their 'dear friend'.
In a post online, Club 69 said: "Today, the Club 69 team will say a final goodbye to our dear friend and Rave Cave Champion, Mini. Often overused, but in this case highly appropriate - Mini was an irreplaceable legend.
"It feels terribly unfair that he had to battle this horrible disease 3 times in his short life, and we are devastated that he's no longer with us. Mini was our friend first and foremost but he was also a keen Club 69 promoter, technical wizard, a fantastic DJ, and a real leader in our wee club.
"As if that isn't enough Mini was our on-call painter, joiner, plumber and electrician, he really was DIY incorporated! Among Mini's many lifetime achievements, what really mattered to him was helping people and chipping in.
"Over the years at Club 69 Mini mentored many people, in his work and personal life, passing on wisdom and experience in his gentle and unassuming manner. Mini was instrumental in the foundations of the Rave Cave! Week in, week out he played a massive part in supporting and shaping the club as we know it.
"Always generous with his time, Mini was a team player - his cheeky wee smile and depth of knowledge of the Rave Cave was always on hand if anyone needed a hand with a missing cable or a loose leg.
"Mini was loved and respected by all within the team - he was always quick-witted and also an incredibly capable person in every endeavour that he participated in and around the club, and in everyday life. We were always inspired by his cancer battle and how he embraced his struggle.
"Even right up to his final days Mini was fighting the dreadful disease - head on! Mini - we hope you're at peace now pal! We love you dearly, and you will be sorely missed."
Hundreds of people also shared their memories, tributes and well-wishes to Stephen. Jamie Carmichael said: "So many good things to say about Mini, such a fighter during all he went through and still remained so positive the whole time.
"Such a good sense of humour and truly skilled in everything he loved to do. Borrowed his time to anyone in need, he taught me how to properly maintain my bike not even a year ago, skills which kept me going till now and always will, a hobby that has helped me get through bad times too. You will be missed by many mate."
Maria McRobbie said: "What an absolute legend, can't believe he's gone. What a lovely, funny and downright awesome guy he was. Gone but most definitely not forgotten Stephen McIntyre xx."
Red Dicko said: "One of a kind with a gentle heart to match. Thank you for always making my club shifts that wee bit brighter with your smile and chats. My heart's heavy today after hearing you’re gone and my love is with you and all of your loved ones.
"I hope they’ve got mountain bikes galore and techno wherever we go next when this lifetime ends. See you in the next life, my big pal." Raymond Studden added: "Such a decent, lovely friendly guy. Will be missed by many."
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