Former Dundee United chairman Eddie Thompson’s family have made an emotional visit to Ninewells Hospital to unveil a floral display in his memory.
It was the first time his son Stephen had visited the hospital since his father’s death, and he said it meant a great deal to thank the staff who did so much to help his father during his battle with prostate cancer.
Mr Thompson who became club chairman after his father lost his fight in October 2008 took eight-month-old son Ben along to the ward on Friday.
He said, “It means a lot to be back here today.
“This memorial to my father marks his stay here and felt like the most appropriate thing.”
Speaking of his father’s death and the success Dundee United have enjoyed in reaching the Scottish Cup final and qualifying for Europe, he said, “It’s never easy for any family, and particularly as my father did not live to see the fruits of bringing Craig Levein to the club.
“No-one would have been happier than him at how the club is doing and he would have had the biggest smile on his face to match any of the fans.”
The late Mr Thompson, who received an OBE in 2005, never met his youngest grandson but his son said that Ben and the rest of the family would be at the cup final against Ross County on Saturday.
Mr Thompson’s widow Cath said that it was always an emotional journey to visit ward 32.
She said, “The nurses here were amazing with Eddie and very supportive to the family.
“This seems like a very appropriate moment to have this memorial just before the cup final next weekend, and this is a great way to remember him.”InscribedThe floral display is in a miniature wooden wheelbarrow in the garden section beside ward 32 and is inscribed ‘In loving memory of Eddie Thompson OBE’.
Describing the last 19 months since her husband’s death, Mrs Thompson said it had helped to witness the success of the club he loved so much.
She said, “It’s helped a lot having something to focus on.
“I know Eddie would have been over the moon to know that United were back in Europe and playing in the Scottish Cup.”
Mrs Thompson also donated a cheque for £1000 to ward 32, which was received by senior charge nurse Jackie Davie.
Staff nurse Jacqueline Scott said that Mr Thompson kept his spirits up while at Ninewells by focusing on his family and his football club.
She said, “It’s lovely to see the family today and hear how well they are doing and carrying on Eddie’s name.”
Mr Thompson had been a Dundee United supporter since he moved from his native Glasgow in 1964.
His long battle with cancer forced him to sell the Morning Noon and Night convenience store chain he had built from a single store into a nationwide business.
Mr Thompson fulfilled a lifelong ambition in 2002 when he took over as club chairman but always said he was merely a custodian of Dundee United while the supporters remained the “one true constant.”