TRIBUTES have been paid to a leading figure at the University of York who has died only months away from his retirement.

Dr Ron Weir, provost of Derwent College, senior lecturer in economic history and a whisky expert, died on Saturday night from a suspected heart attack.

He had been with the university for 39 years, and had been Derwent provost for the past 27.

Colleague Dr Jane Grenville, pro-vice chancellor for students, said: “This is appalling news and our thoughts are with Ron’s family. Ron was a well-known and longstanding member of the university.

“Students and staff will be shocked and saddened, as will generations of York students who remember him with great affection. Ron was a towering figure in the university in every sense – we will all miss him very much.”

Prof Peter Simmons, head of economics and related studies, said: “Everyone in the department is deeply distressed by the news, and we will treasure the memory of his wit and wisdom over the years.”

Dr Weir, who was 64 and due to retire in the summer, was an expert in Scottish and Irish economic history, business history and the history of the whisky industry.

He was originally from Edinburgh, where he gained his own MA degree in economics, and later a PhD for a thesis on the Scotch whisky industry.

He joined the University of York in 1970, and became provost of Derwent in 1982.

York councillor James Alexander was among the former students to pay tribute.

He said: “Ron was a larger-than-life character and a very, very popular provost of Derwent.

“He was my supervisor and tutor when I was a student and a mentor when I was president of the Students’ Union. I owe him so very much and without him I would not be doing some of the things I am doing today. I am not unique in this regard. He will be sorely missed and my thoughts are with his family at this time. He leaves a large void at the university, especially in Derwent College.

“He was an absolute legend.”