Wife’s tribute to husband killed in dive accident

TRIBUTES have been paid to the former senior detective who lost his life in a diving accident in the Moray Firth at the weekend.

Former police Detective Inspector Andrew Rolph. Picture: submitted

He was named by the Grampian Division of Police Scotland as Andrew Rolph, 60, from the Bridge of Don area of Aberdeen - a former Detective Inspector and forensics specialist with Grampian Police.

Mr Rolph and his wife Hazel, who have two sons, had celebrated their Ruby Wedding anniversary only last month.

His body was recovered by Police divers from the Moray Firth on Monday after he had been reported missing following a diving incident off Tarbat Ness on Sunday at the head of the Dornoch Firth,

Mr Rolph, who retired from Grampian Police in 2002 after 30 years police service, had been working as a forensic scientist with Aberdeen-based forensic investigation company Return to Scene Ltd.

In a statement, released by Police Scotland, Mrs Rolph paid tribute to her “devoted husband, brilliant father and doting grandfather.”

She said: “We had just celebrated our Ruby Wedding Anniversary in June and it has been a happy life. I couldn’t have asked for a better husband and father. He was always there for us through good times and bad times.

“He was so thoughtful and a calming influence. When the boys were establishing their careers as an electrician and a painter and decorator he did everything he could to help them and has always been beyond generous with his time. He was so proud of them and we were of him too. He loved his grandchildren and had been planning a trip with them to London on Saturday which everyone was really excited about.

“Andrew has been taken from us too soon and we have been devastated by what has happened but he lived life to the full. He put 100 per cent into everything he did. He joined the police force in 1972 and initially began his career in Fraserburgh. He loved his job and latterly worked as a Detective Inspector in forensics before returning as a civilian after 30 years’ service. He then went on to be instrumental in the company Return to Scene (R2S). He loved everything about his job.”

She continued: “He was an incredibly sporty person, played squash, ran marathons and was actively involved in participating and organising triathlons. He always trying to introduce sport to others and pass on his passion. He was always doing something whether it was cycling to work or out for a run, nothing stopped him.”

Brian Dillon, Managing Director of Return To Scene Ltd, said: “Andrew was responsible for all our forensics work. He was such an important and integral part of the business and we believe his expertise and reputation, which was massive, helped to put R2S on the map. In the years I worked with him I can only describe him as the ultimate professional and he went beyond providing a service.

“He loved what he did and was so conscientious. He has been a mentor to many of our younger staff and I am sure he would have gone on to inspire many others. Everybody loved working with him and he will be irreplaceable.”

Mr Rolph is survived by his wife Hazel, 60, sons Paul, 38, and partner Jackie, Craig, 34, and wife Marinda and their children Lewis, 9, and Abbie, 6, and his mother Doreen.