The family of a man who was found dead in a city DIY shop car park have paid tribute to their “always smiling” loved one.
Martin Rea’s remains were found in his vehicle in the B&Q car park in Inverness in July.
At the time, police confirmed his death was not suspicious, but it is understood the 57-year-old’s body had been there for months.
And now, his family family have spoken of the “huge gap” that has been left in their lives following his death.
Mr Rea, who originally hailed from Stourbridge in the West Midlands, had been touring around much of the country over the past four years after falling in love with the “peace and tranquility” much of rural Scotland offers.
Yesterday, Mr Rea’s sister Julie Hine spoke fondly of her brother.
She said: “He was quite shy but as soon as people got to know him he would have a laugh and a joke with them.
“Growing up we very much had your traditional brother-sister relationship. He was eight years older than me and was very protective over his younger sister.
“His loss has left a huge gap in my life as he was a huge male figure to me, alongside my dad.
“He was always smiling and was a very laid back person. People really did warm to him.
“He was very much loved and very much cherished by us all. We miss him every day and he will always be in our thoughts.”
Mr Rea’s body lay in the Longman Road store undetected for months.
Body found inside vehicle at Inverness car park had been there for months
A bad smell and flies alerted a passer-by to Mr Rea’s vehicle, prompting police to investigate.
His family feel had his body been discovered sooner, they would have had been delivered their wish to bid farewell to their loved one on their own terms.
Ms Hine added: “It wouldn’t have changed what happened but it would have at least allowed us the opportunity to put him to rest how we wanted.
“Instead, it has been taken out of our hands.
“We just don’t understand how people just did not spot the vehicle.”
Ms Hine added that it was not unusual for her brother to go large periods without contacting family members.
A B&Q spokeswoman said: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with the affected family and friends.”
Mr Rea’s family are in the process of organising his funeral.
