Friend pays tribute to devoted father killed in head-on smash

Published on Tuesday 2 January 2007 11:49

THE best friend of a father-of-two killed in a horror car smash just two days before Christmas today paid tribute to his memory.

Euan Thomson died in the head-on collision as he travelled with friends to a pheasant shooting event in Lauder.

The 50-year-old was a backseat passenger in the car when the accident occurred on the A68 near Pathhead in Midlothian.

His devastated family and friends gathered on Saturday morning for his funeral at Mortonhall Crematorium.

Mr Thomson's widow Christine, 49, and daughters Leigh, 24, and Lynne, 21, were too upset to speak about their loss.

But best friend Ian Renwick today described Mr Thomson as a "quiet family man who put his heart into everything".

Mr Thomson died along with the driver of the other vehicle, Peter McEwan, 40, from Chester-le-Street, Durham.

Five other people who were travelling with Mr Thomson were taken to hospital after being cut free from wreckage following the 50mph crash at 8.15am on December 23.

Mr Thomson, who lived with his family at Nivensknowe Park in Loanhead, worked as a pattern fitter for engineering firm MacTaggart Scott.

He married his wife Christine, an office worker, in 1976 and the couple recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary.

His daughter Leigh works for the NHS, while Lynne works in insurance.

Mr Thomson was a prize- winning competitive bowler who was a member of his local club in Loanhead.

A keen fisherman, he was also a member of the Loanhead and District Angling Club.

Mr Renwick, 58, whose teenage son was one of the crash survivors, said: "I knew Euan for more than 30 years. I met him as a teenager when he came to MacTaggart Scott where I work too. He was my best friend. He was just a very nice person who liked a laugh and a joke. Euan could be very competitive and he really gave everything his best, whether it was his fishing or his bowling.

"His wife and daughters are devastated by this. They are such a close family and Euan was dedicated to them. It's just a catastrophe for them all. Everyone who knew him and worked with him have taken it very badly."

He added: "They were a group of friends driving down to Lauder for some shooting, just like they've done so often before. It was Christmas and they were looking forward to a great day out."

The accident happened on a stretch of road between Dalkeith and Pathhead, known locally as The Monument.

The road was closed for five hours and local diversions were set up around the crash scene.

A passing motorist saw the crash and called the emergency services, but the two victims were pronounced dead at the roadside.

Locals have described the stretch of road as a notorious accident blackspot.