Tribute to Dave Thomson

It with the utmost sadness I have to pass on the news of the sudden and unexpected passing of our former colleague Dave “Dox” Thomson, due I believe to a massive heart attack.

Dave had his 60th birthday in December and was heading into semi-retirement. He had lived with haemophilia for most of his life having been a victim of the infected blood scandal in the 1970s. Only last year it was announced in Parliament that the victims of the scandal were being guaranteed substantial compensation from the Government and “Dox” was to be one of the beneficiaries.

I have to say at no point in his behaviour or lifestyle at work did Dox ever behave like a victim. I have never known anyone be so cheery and happy with life as Dave. He was the most positive individual I have ever met. He was an enthusiast in everything he did and never let anything get him down. He also had an eclectic range of interests, always surprising me with his range and depth of knowledge on many subjects including art and music. A proud Invernesian and a Highlander to the core. 

Despite his medical condition Dox was a fanatical cyclist and spent most weekends out on the road riding for charity, and as we all could see was always the picture of health. 

He was absolutely fascinated by what we were all doing and took great pride in being a member of the Spaceport team. He played a key role in the early years of our development, helping Debbie Strang set up our IMS and securing our ISO accredition.

No one was more keen for us to get to first launch than Dox and when we do get to that landmark I am sure he will be looking down with that lovely cheery face and will be swaggering around the skies telling everyone who will listen that it was SaxaVord that made it happen. When the Spaceport is finally complete it will be because of the dedication and commitment of all our staff and there will inevitably be those that are unable to be there, but like Dox Dave they will never be forgotten . 

He was absolutely determined that I hear him play the tin whistle and to my great shame I kept putting him off , deeming his Friday afternoon fire alarm Practice noisy enough. Sorry Dox you will get your chance eventually.

All our thoughts go out to his Widow, Shona.

Frank Strang, CEO, SaxaVord Spaceport