Villagers' shock at death of dad-of-four
Gary Fitzpatrick • Published 11 Mar 2011 08:30
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VILLAGERS in Newmills have been shocked by the sudden death of popular pub landlord Derek Day at the age of just 44.
Father-of-four Derek had worked at his family's bar, The Crown, in Main Street, for 25 years and had taken over the running of it in 2000.
He had suffered some health problems in recent years but continued to work and his death on Tuesday, after collapsing at home, came as a devastating blow to those who knew him.
The friendly, family-run pub in the centre of Newmills is a meeting place for locals who came to know Derek well over his years there.
Derek was brought up in Oakley where his step-dad, Roddy Culbertson, had a shop and the family took over The Crown in 1985.
When Roddy retired 10 years ago, Derek took over, living on the premises and helped by family members including his mum, Andrina, sister, Denise, and his wife, Fiona.
In his younger days, Derek had been a joiner working with Dunfermline firm AB Cant and at Rosyth Dockyard.
Away from work he enjoyed golf and for many years he had been a member at the Tulliallan club.
A family member said, "People have been coming up to me in the village saying how shocked they are.
"Although Derek had some health problems it was still a shock for someone so young to have died."
The funeral arrangements for Derek, who was father to four sons, will be announced later through John Stoddart and Sons (721284).
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