Worldwide tributes to 'Mr Inverkeithing'
Siew Peng Lee • Published 3 Jun 2010 06:52
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TRIBUTES from all over the world have been pouring in for the man known as "Mr Inverkeithing", who passed away last week.
Condolence messages from as far away as America, Australia and Africa have been arriving to honour the late David King (72, pictured), who passed away at his home in St John's Court on Tuesday.
Born and bred in Inverkeithing, Mr King attended the old primary school in Roods Road and later became a bricklayer.
A keen sportsman, he played football and ice hockey and was also a judo instructor.
He was particularly renowned for his keen interest in Inverkeithing's history and helped build up the town museum, resurrect the gala and set up three youth clubs.
He gave numerous talks and produced booklets on Inverkeithing and entertained enquiries from all over the world.
Youngest son Gregor (37) recalled, "There was a man who came down to the house and said, 'It was not David King who has died, it's Mr Inverkeithing who has died.'
"He could tell you anything - if anyone asked him a question, he would find out for them.
"There were folk in Australia and America who contacted him about the history of the town and the area and there have been so many letters arriving from all over this past week.
"He took it up when he retired and he was interested in just about anything related to history - old battleships, boats, postcards, everything."
Gregor said his dad, who would have been 73 this Sunday, had been watering the garden before his sudden death from a clot brought on by deep vein thrombosis.
He said, "He came into the house and shouted to my mum and sat down and that was it.
"He was one in a million and was just a great guy. Everyone knew him. He was just Inverkeithing-daft."
Inverkeithing and Dalgety Bay councillor Alice McGarry, who knew Mr King for "years and years", said, "His untimely death is a huge shock to the town and a huge loss to the people who knew him best.
"He did so much to preserve the town's history for future generations.
"He did a tremendous amount of research and had written booklets on the town's important buildings and artefacts, like the Town House and Provost's Chain and Scots Mill, which has now been demolished.
"We were hoping to get him involved in the Doors Open Day in September and play a part.
"He contributed so much and was an excellent ambassador for the town."
She added that Mr King "never had any consideration for bureaucracy".
She smiled, "He just went right to the problem - I'd say to him, 'Davie, that's not how it's done', but the old boy would just go straight to the source of the problem.
"He was a man on a mission and was self-taught, which was an incredible feat, and makes it all the more remarkable."
Jim Brown (75), of Boreland Road, a friend for more than 50 years, recalled, "He had no problem getting work because he was a good worker and you could trust him.
"He was one of the leading lights of the Inverkeithing Historical Society and knew the town's history inside out - he helped build up Inverkeithing Museum.
"He gave us a lecture at the historical society and it was tremendous how much he knew.
"He was a very jolly man and full of fun, a good laugh and a good buddy.
"He was a hell of a nice man - nobody has ever said a bad word against him.
"The kids thought the world of their dad. He was a good family man."
Far-flung old friends also paid tribute to "an amazing man".
Former neighbour Stewart King (65, no relation), who now lives in the Algarve, called up the Press to say, "I was very shocked and upset when I heard - it took the feet away from me.
"I've known the guy since I was 20-plus and the last time I spoke to him when I was home he was doing a lot of historical work.
"Everybody knew David as 'Kingy' - even the kids. He did a lot of youth and community work, judo and boys' football.
"He was an amazing man and his death will be a real loss.
"He was a tremendous influence on Inverkeithing - if it wasn't for him, half of the stuff wouldn't exist.
"He helped revive the Inverkeithing gala - he said to me, 'We need to start it again', and I asked if he knew the logistics involved!
"But he said, 'We'll do it'. And he did. He was just that kind of guy."
Mr King leaves his wife, Barbara, children, Calum, Murdo, Tracey and Gregor, and six grandchildren.
His funeral will be held today (Thursday) at Dunfermline Crematorium at 10am.
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