The sister of a Fife man who fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a firefighter say a “huge gap” has been left in her life after his death aged 47.
Colin Speight, the serving crew commander in Cupar, died unexpectedly on Saturday.
Family, colleagues and friends of the firefighter – who joined the service in 1993 and worked at stations across Fife – have described his love for the job.
In a written tribute, sister Julie described him as an “amazing son, devoted dad and uncle” and a “true, dear friend to many”.
‘I know this pain is terrible’
She said: “He was funny, helpful and kind. I was always known as ‘Colin’s sister’ by everyone as he knew so many people.
“I have no words just now for how we are all feeling but I know this pain is terrible.
“However, I will remember the funny, happy, amazing times we had and will never have again.
“Colin, you’ve left a huge gap in my life – love you and miss you forever.”
Julie says that being a firefighter was Colin’s “dream job”.
Childhood dream to become a firefighter
She added: “Even though he was only two years old, he always remembered a fire that occurred at the time and, since then, all he ever wanted to be was a fireman.
“He had three or four attempts to get into the service when he was a teenager and eventually succeeded a few years later.
“He loved doing what he did, it was his dream job.”
Alan Fortune, a former colleague and the watch commander for Methil red watch, has described Colin as “one of the good guys”.
It’s already strange to think of him gone as he was one of the good guys.”
Former colleague Alan Fortune
He told The Courier: “Intelligent, sociable, dedicated, and with a good sense of humour is how I will remember Colin, who I worked with at Methil.
“He was highly respected by all who he worked alongside and a vital and reliable member of any team he was involved in.
“Colin was also a keen Dundee United fan and was a member of the watch football team, though he would have been the first to admit he relied on his enthusiasm more than skill.
“It’s already strange to think of him gone as he was one of the good guys and one who will be missed by many.”
A statement issued by Colin’s former colleagues said: “The team at Cupar community fire station are utterly devastated to share the news of the tragic and unexpected passing of our friend and colleague Colin Speight (Speighty).
“Colin was an extremely hard-working, committed and enthusiastic colleague to everyone and was well-respected throughout his variety of roles undertaken within the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, serving at St Andrews, Cupar, Methil and Glenrothes.
“His passion for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was evident at every call, where he always demonstrated professionalism, compassion and leadership.
“As a team, all our thoughts and prayers are with Colin’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”
Mark Bryce, area commander for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, has added to the tributes.
‘Hard-working and well-respected’
He said: “Our friend and colleague, Watch Commander Colin Speight, was extremely hard-working and well-respected throughout the variety of roles he undertook within the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
“Colin served at St Andrews, Cupar, Methil and Glenrothes throughout his 18 years of service and his dedication, professionalism, compassion and leadership qualities were an example to all.
“We are profoundly sad at the news of his passing and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
