Tributes have been paid to Kelburne Hockey Club legend Derek Forsyth after he sadly passed away after a short illness.
Derek, who was Scottish Hockey’s performance programme manager, led Kelburne to 13 National League titles and several Scottish Cups.
The dad-of-two was hailed for driving many players through the Paisley club to success over the years, including his own sons David and Alan – who both went on to become Scottish Internationals.
Taking up hockey as youngsters at Brediland Primary and then Gleniffer High, David and his brother Alan went on to become stars on the international stage – playing in the 2014 Commonwealth Games alongside dad Derek with the Bravehearts hockey team.
The Forsyth family are synonymous with the Scottish Hockey family. Derek’s wife, Lynn, is the current Scottish Hockey president and is a former Scottish Hockey international.
A spokesperson for Kelburne Hockey Club said: “It’s with a heavy heart that we impart the sad news of the passing of our dear friend and former head coach, Derek Forsyth.
“Derek joined us as head coach in the late 80s and was instrumental in our rapid growth to National League & European Championship winners in the early 90s, playing a pivotal role in our record-breaking 13-in-row squad from 2004 to 2017, and constantly mentoring and driving many players to international success.
“As our past national coach, Derek was revered from afar with his knowledge, dedication and total commitment to our sport being second to none.
“Derek will be sorely missed by everyone at Kelburne and across all Scottish Hockey circles and beyond.
“Our thoughts are with Lynn, David, Alan and their family at this very sad time.”
Among his many achievements, Derek started as assistant coach of the men’s national team from 2007, then stepping up to the head coach position in 2012 and delivered a tremendous period of success that saw the team promoted to the top tier of European hockey, and achieve its highest ever world ranking.
He was previously head coach of the Scotland U21 men’s side between 1991 to 1998 and 2010 to 2012.
Derek led the Scotland men’s national team, leading the country back to the top tier of European hockey when the Blue Sticks won gold at Men’s EuroHockey Championship II in Glasgow in 2017.
Derek was also head coach for three Commonwealth Games: Glasgow 2014; Gold Coast 2018; and Birmingham 2022; and was assistant for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi 2010.
Barry Cawte, chief executive of Scottish Hockey, said, “We are devastated by the loss of one of our hockey family. Derek has been one of the most influential people in our sport, the scale of his impact over the years cannot be measured. He is an all-time great in our sport. His passion and determination for our organisation was unparalleled.
“Derek was widely respected and was an integral part of our team, and was always a great source of support for so many of his colleagues. We will greatly miss his humour, drive, ambition and knowledge. It has been an honour to have him as a colleague and friend.
“Our deepest condolences at this time remain with Lynn, David and Alan and all his family and friends.”
As a mark of respect Scottish Hockey office operations will be suspended until Monday, July 3.
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