Tributes have poured in for Derek Brownlie, a beloved figure in East Kilbride and a long-time member of East Kilbride YM, who passed away on March 3, 2024, after a courageous nine-year battle with cancer. He was 59 years old and died surrounded by his family, leaving behind a legacy that touched many in the community.
Derek’s death has profoundly affected his family and friends at the town’s oldest football club. A former mechanical inspector at Rolls-Royce, he dedicated 41 years to East Kilbride YM, where he played for various teams and later volunteered to support the club’s operations. Derek was well-known not only for his contributions to football but also for his involvement with the Boys’ Brigade and the Kilbryde Hike, which his family launched in 1969.
A Life of Service and Dedication
Derek is survived by his 84-year-old mother, Evelyn Brownlie, wife Laura, daughter Rebecca, son Lewis, and older brother Tommy Brownlie. Tommy expressed his heartbreak, stating, “We are just devastated and so shocked. Nobody had a bad word to say about him. Everyone who met him loved him. He was just one of life’s good guys.”
As a former pupil of Claremont High School, Derek began his career at TL Precision before joining Rolls-Royce at age 21. He worked in engine inspection for the V2500 engine until his redundancy in 2020, after which he devoted himself to his family and his volunteer work at East Kilbride YM. His commitment to the club included significant improvements to their home ground at Kirktonholme.
Despite the return of cancer in recent years, Derek displayed remarkable resilience. Last September, he walked his daughter Rebecca down the aisle at her wedding, a moment he cherished deeply. Even as the disease progressed and he faced significant health challenges, including paralysis below the waist, Derek continued to attend football matches, showcasing his unwavering passion for the sport. “He just wanted to watch the YM and always bought an East Kilbride News to look out for the YM news,” Tommy recalled.
Community Outpouring and Remembrance
In recognition of Derek’s impact, East Kilbride YM has announced a minute’s silence before all matches this weekend, including a home game against West Park United on March 9, 2024. The club released a statement expressing their sorrow: “It is with great regret that we announce that club legend and all-round good guy Derek Brownlie has passed away. His contributions were immense, and he will be sorely missed.”
Derek’s passing has sparked a wave of tributes on social media. Ross McDonagh, a YM striker, described him as “one of a kind. My best mate.” Others echoed similar sentiments, highlighting his kindness and dedication. Jacqueline Young mentioned his amazing contributions as a Boys’ Brigade leader, while Alexander Markie remembered him as a gentleman who shared many skiing holidays with friends.
As the community mourns, the legacy of Derek Brownlie will undoubtedly endure through the countless lives he touched and the memories he created. His spirit will remain a vital part of East Kilbride YM and the broader community, celebrated for his steadfast commitment to friendship, family, and football.
