A former Carnoustie man’s parents have paid tribute to a “loving and popular” son after his sudden death aged just 43.
Talented mathematician Neil Alexander died in his Birmingham home on February 15 following a medical diagnosis of cardiomyopathy, a condition that affects the heart muscle.
Parents Anne and Robert Alexander have expressed their sadness that their “independent” son had not told them about his illness.
But the Alexanders said he would not have wanted to alarm his family with news of his health.
Mr Alexander said: “We’ve learned more from his friends in Birmingham who he worked with.
“They have told us he had been in hospital a couple of times for a heart condition.
“He wouldn’t tell us about his health difficulties and we are only finding out more details now.
“They say it was cardiomyopathy and he died in his sleep at home.
“He knew if he had said anything his mum would be on the next flight down.”
Mrs Alexander said the family have taken some solace from their belief Neil died in his sleep at his home in the city’s Jewellery Quarter and did not suffer.
The Alexanders moved to Carnoustie from Ayrshire in 1988, where Neil developed a love of rugby and played prop.
Neil moved to study at Dundee University, where he graduated in maths and physics, and moved to England for a master’s degree in pure maths at Essex University.
He came back to Carnoustie for a short time before getting a job with Experian in Nottingham, and then international credit agency Fico in Birmingham, where he had lived for the past 15 years.
Neil travelled around the world for his job and was a “very popular” friend and colleague.
He also loved football and was a passionate fan of Kilmarnock FC.
Neil’s funeral service takes place at Parkgrove Crematorium, Friockheim, on Wednesday, at 12.30pm, to which all relatives and friends are invited.