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The colleagues of a Scottish supermarket worker who tragically died of Covid-19 lined the streets in tribute to him as they let him rest today.
Derek Blair, 43, was honored by his coworkers at Asda in Clydebank, who took to the streets to applaud as he charged through the city to his final resting place.
Derek, of Dumbarton, tragically died of coronavirus on April 24 after being in intensive care at Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley for two weeks and six days.
Those who worked with him described him as “one in a million” who “always smiled”.
Derek’s sister Linda Craig thanked the NHS staff on behalf of the entire family, including Derek’s mother, June Blair.
She told the Registry: “The family truly appreciates the care and attention Derek received at RAH.
“We have been comforted by the charming messages and participation in the funeral.”
Her cousin Kirsty Learmonth added: “He was a beautiful soul and will always be in my heart.”
(Image: Kirsty Learmonth)
The hearse traveled from Dumbarton, past the June house where neighbors applauded for Derek.
The cars then traveled to Clydebank, Dumbarton Road, and to Argyll Avenue, where Asda staff applauded him.
He then traveled through Dalmuir before going to Dalnottar Crematoriam.
A friend of the family of about 35 years, Mandy MacFarlane traveled behind the cars in the procession and took videos of the tributes.
She said, “Since the first day I met Derek, he has been a cheeky chappy.
“I knew everyone and always gave you a hug.”
Ross Gray, a security guard at the Clydebank store, told the Registry that Derek was the type of person “everyone should strive to be.”
He said, “You could talk for hours about a guy as nice as Derek.
“I worked day shifts with him for about a year and a half. He worked in the baskets in the front and always came to talk.
“Everyone loved him.
“He is the kind of person everyone should strive to be, just content with life.
“It hit you all five and he always stopped to see how you were doing.”
His old friend Alan Fergusson told the Registry: “I have known Derek for about 20 years, first as a co-worker and then as a friend.
(Image: Alan Fergusson)
Derek had a lovely warmth about him and was an absolute gentleman to everyone. It was an honor to be applauding for him and, from the number of people who showed up, it just shows how popular he was and what it meant to many people.
“A lot of people will miss him and we will never forget him.”
Asda’s colleagues have also shown a framed picture of Derek in his faculty room and created a charity cube in honor of Golden Friendships, a community group that helps vulnerable people of which Derek was an active member.
Claire Deeney, who has worked with Derek at Asda since 1991, said, “What a beloved character, he always had a smile on his face that made us all laugh.”
“You couldn’t meet a kinder person for almost 15 years. I worked alongside him.
“Even when I was leaving, I was going to Asda, he was there with a big smile on his face and asked how my family was and he always gave you a big hug.”
Friend Charlene Kielty met Derek through Golden Friendships.
She told the Registry: “Derek was one in a million. He always took the time to talk to you and was always smiling.
“I would do anything for anyone, if you needed a conversation, he was there for you.
“It really is a huge loss, so many people are really struggling with it.”
She added: “Seeing everyone on the streets for him was incredible. I did not expect so many to appear.
“I am very proud of the people at Clydebank and Dumbarton for joining.
“We will all miss him, but we will see him soon.”
Charlene created the public Facebook page In memory of Derek Blair was created in his honor, and many shared good memories of him.
One post read: “I hope his family can take some comfort in knowing how well he thought of him. So sad “.
While another commenter commented, “It was an amazing turnout … Dear, everyone who had the pleasure of meeting you will miss you so much. Q.E.P.D.”
Gerry Carey, Derek’s neighbor from Dumbarton, said: “Derek was a lovely guy.
“Always cheerful and pleasant. She couldn’t do enough to help her neighbors.
“You will be sadly missed. The entire street is devastated.
“Our hearts go out to Derek’s mother, June, and the rest of the family.”
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