Online Tributes Paid To Alan Spray

24 August 2011, 07:53 | Updated: 24 August 2011, 08:14

The family of a 73 year old man from Hatfield, whose body was found 23 days after he went missing, have paid tribute to him on social networking sites.

Alan Spray, who had Alzheimer's, was last seen caught on CCTV along Verulam Road in St Albans on July 30th.

His body was found by a member of the public at about 9:12am on Monday (August 22nd) in the grounds of the Gorhambury estate in the city.

His wife Barbara has since taken to Twitter saying:

“I hope that Alan's disappearance has helped in some way to raise awareness of this dreadful, cruel and ultimately heartbreaking disease.”

She has also tweeted her thanks to all those who joined in the search to find her husband:

“My family and I can never thank the public, the police and local media."

She later added:

“RIP Alan Spray, a brilliant, funny, kind, gentle, devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. Gone but never ever forgotten.”

Alan’s son Chris has also paid tribute to his dad through Facebook:

“Thank you to everyone who has helped & supported us through this heartbreaking 3 weeks. Dad was taken so prematurely from us & leaves a huge gap in our lives. Life can be so cruel, he will be sorely missed but forever with us in our hearts. So many great memories to cherish forever. My Dad, a truly great man. Love you Dad. Xx”

Close to 700 people joined a Facebook page concerend about Alan’s whereabouts and he even had his own hash tag on Twitter.