Emotional farewell
‘I will miss you daddy’
The heartbroken wife of a Hamilton man tragically killed at work says his death has left a “huge hole” in their family’s lives.
South Lanarkshire Council employee Robert Mcmillan (55) passed away after he was hit by a bin lorry in East Kilbride on Thursday, January 17.
Police Scotland confirmed that an investigation had been launched after the incident, which occurred around 10.15am on Mount Cameron Drive.
Emergency services and council vehicles rushed to the area, but Robert was pronounced dead at the scene.
Robert, known as Rab, is survived by wife Lesley and daughter Lauren (18), as well as his mother, brother and two sisters.
Lesley said: “Our whole family is devastated at losing Rab. He was a big personality – outgoing and always smiling and laughing.
“Everyone liked Rab and he always had a word for everybody. Rab enjoyed all sports, especially football. He sometimes played darts at the local pub. I think more than anything else, though, Rab loved to travel with Lauren and me. The three of us had some great holidays abroad and I will always treasure those memories.
“We went to Spain and Budapest, and last year we went island hopping in Greece, and I think that was his favourite trip of all.
“Lauren says her dad was her best pal and that is true. They were very close and did everything together. She is distraught at losing her dad. Rab was always there for her, and for me.
“This has left a huge hole in all of our lives, not just us but all of his family, friends and workmates.
“It’s at times like this that you most appreciate your family and friends and I am grateful to a lot of people for their comforting words and actions.
“I also want to thank Rab’s many friends at work and the council for all their tremendous support.”
Lauren also paid tribute to her dad on Facebook and posted: “My best friend, hero and most of all daddy is gone and knowing I’m never going to see him again is breaking me to pieces.
“Dad, I promise I’ll do everything I can to make you stay proud of me, and do everything we planned to do.
“I know you’ll be OK because now you’re with your dad, helping him look out for me. I will miss you daddy. Forever your princess.”
Michael Mcglynn, executive director of Community and Enterprise Resources at SLC, said the local authority was providing support to those affected by the incident.
He said: “We are deeply saddened at the death of our colleague and our sympathies go out to his family, friends and workmates.
“We are providing support to those affected by this tragic incident, and the council will, of course, assist the police with their enquiries.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Emergency services were called to reports that a man had been struck by a bin lorry on Mount Cameron Drive around 10.15am on January 17.
“Police and ambulance services attended, however the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
“The Health and Safety Executive have been informed, and officers are carrying out enquiries.”
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call PC David Murdoch at Motherwell Police Office through 101, quoting incident ref 1055 of January 17.