Funeral takes place of well-loved former Inverness fire chief who died after contracting coronavirus

A moving funeral took place today of a popular former Inverness fire chief.

Mourners from all over the world joined a small gathering of family members – via the internet – for the funeral of Derek Wilkie.

Mr Wilkie passed away on Easter Sunday, aged 57, after a battle against coronavirus. He retired from the fire service in December 2017.

Mr Wilkie's funeral service took place in John Fraser and Son's Chapel Street service room with 12 members of his family. It has been watched online by more than 250 people.

Coronavirus rules mean that there are limits on the numbers of people who can attend a funeral in person.

During the service, a number of tributes were made to Mr Wilkie.

Friend and colleague Alex McKinlay led a tribute, describing Mr Wilkie as a dear life-long friend. He called him an exceptional colleague who treated everyone equally and with kindness.

His sons Owen and Blair gave a funny and moving speech of adventures they had had with their dad. They spoke of a dad whom they loved, and was very much loved in return.

After the funeral service, the funeral hearse drove past Inverness Fire Station where the flag was lowered to half mast in respect to the man who served for 27 years in the fire service.

As the hearse drove past, the watch on duty were out on salute with six fire engines, sirens silent, but lights flashing.

At the cemetery the current fire chief Mr McKinlay and other officers gave a guard of honour, with another two fire tenders and crews present.

Before the service, Mr McKinley said: “Derek lost his battle against Covid-19 on Sunday in Raigmore Hospital under the care of medical staff in the intensive care unit.

“Derek previously worked as a firefighter at Inverness Airport, before joining Highland and Islands Fire Brigade in May 1990 as a firefighter at Inverness Station and worked in various departments throughout his 27 years’ service, including as district officer at Badenoch and Strathspey and group commander of the Shetland Islands. He retired in December 2017 as Station Commander, Inverness and Nairn District.

“Derek was a keen golfer, winning many Scottish Fire and Rescue Service amateur competitions, and a keen cyclist, proficient skier, hill walker and outdoor enthusiast. He was devoted to his wife Janice and their two boys, Owen and Blair.”

Mr Wilkie's widow Janice is a specialist cancer nurse. Owen is a paramedic for the Scottish Ambulance Service and Blair is a medical laboratory assistant at Raigmore Hospital.

Photographs were posted on social media by the fire service's Deputy Assistant Chief Officer John MacDonald.

The service is online for anyone who would like to watch it, it can be viewed by following this link.

A celebration of Mr Wilkie's life is planned for a later date.

Related article: Former Inverness fire chief dies of coronavirus

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