John Stollery was a social worker from Nottinghamshire.
An inquest into the deaths of victims of the Tunisian beach massacre has been told how a Nottinghamshire man was killed by a lone gunman.
John Stollery, from Walesby, was one of 30 British holidaymakers shot dead on Marhaba Beach in Sousse in 2015 by Seifeddine Rezgui.
The hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice is examining how each of them died and is also looking at the response of Tunisian and British authorities, as well as travel advice given out before the attack.
On Thursday his wife Cheryl gave evidence, saying her husband was killed instantly when the gunman shot him in front of their hotel, the Riu Imperial Marhaba.
Ahead of the hearing, Mrs Stollery and the couple’s son Matt released a family statement, saying: “For us, John’s family, it is important not only to confirm the circumstances of John’s death; we hope the Inquest will raise awareness of what happened and ultimately the findings and outcomes from the Tunisia Inquest will support ‘lessons being learnt’.
“We believe without any doubt proactive changes are required to prevent other individuals and families going through what we have had to face.
“We love and miss John terribly, our world has been shattered and we are totally devastated by the way he was taken from us by a mindless act of terrorism born out extremist behaviours and toxic ideologies.”
John’s family described him as ‘inspiring’ with a ‘wicked sense of humour’
The 58-year-old had worked for Nottinghamshire County Council for 33 years, spending the last 16 as a social worker.
His family added: “What is important to us today is our wish for John to be remembered and respected for the life he lived and the difference he was able to make for others, for us his family and as a social worker for children and young people and not just for the way he died.
“John inspired many through his strength of character, wicked sense of humour, his cheeky smile and the kindness he showed to all who knew him, those are just a few of the things that we loved about him.
“He never sought the limelight nor did anything for financial reward, he worked tirelessly, he was just ‘John’ a man who was there for everyone and nothing was ever too much trouble.
John dedicated 16 years to working with children in care.
“I hope the portrait being read at his Inquest will honour him, his achievements, the difference he was able to make in his life and the love we shared.
“John will live on through the legacy he left with us and we will strive to carry forward his legacy ‘to make a positive difference and contribute to a brighter future for others”.
A total of 38 people were killed by student Rezgui, who was killed by police in a back street near the beach. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack.
Speaking of Mr Stollery in 2015, Anthony May, Nottinghamshire County Council’s Chief Executive said: “As a dedicated social worker, he had a passion to help others that was apparent to everyone that he met. John will be missed greatly.”
