Tributes have flooded in for a Paisley DJ described as an “irreplaceable legend” who has died from a rare cancer.
Stephen McIntyre, who was affectionately known as Mini, was well-known for manning the decks at popular Paisley nightspot Club 69 for many years before he passed away earlier this month.
The 43-year-old told Renfrewshire Live last year how he had first been diagnosed with stage three Hodgkin’s Lymphoma when he was just 19 after discovering a lump on his neck.
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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 online following the sad news, with colleagues taking to Facebook to remember their ‘dear friend’.
In a post online, Club 69 said: “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 three 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.”
Last December, Renfrewshire Live spoke to Stephen and his Club 69 friend and colleague Roisin O’Leary about their cancer diagnoses and their fundraising night at the club.
Stephen was raising cash to fund a trip to America to meet a specialist doctor for innovative treatment while Roisin, who had been diagnosed with osteosarcoma to her lower right jaw, wanted to collect money for Maggies Cancer Centre.
Hundreds of people have shared their memories, tributes and well-wishes to Stephen online. 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.”
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.”
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