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The brother of one of Hull's most loved faces has spoken of his gratitude to the "genuinely, friendly" people of Hull.

John Hastie was better known as 'Hiya John' and was a familiar face around Bransholme and Sutton Park for several decades. Hundreds of people have fond memories of chatting with him.

Sadly, John's brother, Peter Hastie, has confirmed that John died six years ago as a result of a brain haemorrhage but has revealed how much he has loved reading about his brother's exploits and the memories others have shared of him.

Having spent time at a number of different care centres in Hull, John moved to care homes in Holderness including in Patrington and Withernsea, before moving to Bilton Grange where he passed away.

Peter says "it was very touching" to read people's memories and recalled how he never got tired of seeing people's reaction when they spoke to his brother.

(Image: Peter Hastie)

"It seemed like everyone knew him. We often used to go for walks together around Bransholme/Sutton and it never ceased to amaze me how genuinely friendly people were with him and he with them," he said.

"John had a residency at The Galen House on Leads Road, before it was demolished to make way for the current housing development. He used to attend The Holdern Centre and The Ralph Smith Centre just down the road before they too were demolished. This is going back to the late seventies, early eighties.

"You'll not have seen John in the area since then as he has been in several care homes i.e. Patrington, Withernsea, his last one being on Bilton Grange, where sadly John died of a brain haemorrhage just over six years ago.

"It was very touching to read this article about John and also the positive comments received in reply to it. Thanks for giving me the chance to tell you a little bit more about John."

(Image: Peter Hastie)

John's "likeable character" endeared him to generations of people around north Hull with several remembering him for his distinctive chuckle and how he shouted "hiya" at anyone that would speak to him.

Recalling his memories of John, Sean Grainger said: "All my mates were from Bransholme and we visited Sutton and surrounding areas in the school holidays or after school. I reckon he was in his 30s then. That was 35 years ago.

"He was a character people will remember.

"He just walked around the area saying 'hiya' to everyone. He was a likeable character."

Meanwhile, Matt, who also remembers seeing John out and about, says he always wore a distinctive outfit.

He said: "I used to see him all the time on my way to school, late 80s to early 90s. He was always on the east side of Sutton Road and we would always shout "hiya" to him.

"He would reply and wave followed by a laugh. I seem to remember he was always wearing a shirt and trousers. I'm not even sure his name was John. My mum told me he was called Hiya John."

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