The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Guard would’ve loved to do one last hospital shift
Wife and colleagues recall much-loved man with calming influence
A much-loved Ninewells security guard dearly wanted “one last night-shift” before he died, according to his widow.
Dundee man Alexander “Stephen” Buick passed away earlier this month after being diagnosed with cancer six months earlier. Stephen, who lived with Helen, his wife of 34 years, in Ancrum Drive, grew up in Broughty Ferry, attending Grove Academy.
The 56-year-old began working at Ninewells Hospital 12 years ago in the Tayside Pharmaceutical department, later becoming part of the security team where his calmness and affability made him a popular member of staff.
Helen said: “His job involved helping patients who may have been confused or upset and he was so good at it, taking people down for a cuppy and calming them down.
“He was also called to A&E a few times to help when police were dealing with an incident. He loved his job because he loved people and he was in amongst so many at Ninewells.
“He was a friendly person who would have done anything for anybody.”
Dundee United fan Stephen had to retire at the end of 2018 after being off work for a lengthy spell with chronic back pain. In March this year he was diagnosed with cancer.
“He was able to visit but was unable to work all the way through a shift,” recalled Helen, a former community nurse who took early retirement in December 2018 to spend more time with her husband.
“He just wanted one last night shift. He said he just wanted to go back for one more night so he could see everyone but he just couldn’t because of the pain.”
Susan Smith, a nurse practitioner with Ninewells’ night team, has set up a JustGiving page to fund a memorial for Stephen. Her target of £300 was smashed within hours.
It is hoped enough money will be raised to pay for a bench and plaque in the grounds of Ninewells, subject to consent from the hospital.
Susan said: “Steve would pop into our office for a chat to ask how we all were and catch up on what was going on throughout the hospital.
“He spoke to everybody and was great with the patients.
“The last time I saw him he said he would give anything to go back to work for one shift to see what was going on and catch up with everyone. How many folk love their jobs that much?”
Stephen had been involved with the Dundee Boys Brigade for 17 years, Stephen and Helen met at Dundee nightclub Fat Sam’s in 1984, marrying a year later.
They have two children: Amy, 32, and Stewart, 26.
After Helen’s retirement they enjoyed day trips together, the last being the Dundee Flower and Food Festival on Saturday September 7. “I just feel sad he is not here but what a great life we had together. He was such a well-liked person,” said Helen.
Stephen’s funeral will be held in Dundee Crematorium at 1.30pm on Wednesday September 25, followed by a reception at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Kingsway West.