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‘A topper of a guy’: Tributes flood in for inspirational Fraserburgh Boys’ Brigade drummer and former owner of Dick’s Sports

Tributes have poured in for Duncan Leel Jnr who owned Dicks Sports in Fraserburgh. Picture by Kenny Elrick.
Tributes have poured in for Duncan Leel Jnr who owned Dicks Sports in Fraserburgh. Picture by Kenny Elrick.

A Fraserburgh man hailed as an “inspiration” to members of the town’s Boys’ Brigade has died aged just 40.

Duncan Leel was well-known in the town for his involvement with the company and for managing, and then owning, Dick’s Sports.

More recently, he had become a bus driver with many friends saying they had seen him “beaming ear from ear” behind the wheel.

As news of his sudden death spread, Mr Leel was described as a “kind and thoughtful” man.

A long-time member of the BB’s 1st Fraserburgh Company, he became a drummer with the company band and went on to become bandmaster for 20 years.

Under his tenure, the band had a number of successes at the BB Scottish Band Contests.

‘Many an officer will know of his kindness’

The Buchan Battalion Boys’ Brigade sent condolences to his loved ones in a Facebook post.

The post reads: “In total, Duncan gave upwards of 20 years of service to the Boys’ Brigade as a staff member and lieutenant in his company.

“Away from BB he is perhaps best known for managing and then owning the Dick’s Sports business. Many an officer will know of his kindness in business, as there was always a wee BB discount of some description added to the final bill.

“This was a kindness and helpfulness he had in all spheres of life and something that will be missed by his many friends.

“Very recently Duncan had embarked on a new career as a bus driver, something he loved and was proud of, which makes his untimely passing all the more cruel.”

DUNCAN S. LEEL1982-2022It was with a deep sense of shock and sadness that many of us heard of the sudden passing of…

Posted by Buchan Battalion Boys' Brigade on Sunday, 5 June 2022

Councillor James Adams was in the 4th Fraserburgh Company and knew Mr Leel through battalion events and from when he ran Dick’s Sports.

“It was a shock to the town given how young he was and how active he was in the community,” he said.

“It’s quite upsetting to hear, especially because he was a part of the business community as well with Dick’s Sports. Although it closed recently it was a well-known and established business in the town for such a long time.

“It’s awful, I know some of his close friends quite well and as you can imagine they’re in a state of shock and my thoughts go out to his mother and father.

“I also knew his father through the BB and they were always lovely people – Duncan Jnr always had time for you, he would never go by you without having a chat.”

‘Duncan will be a huge miss’

Dozens of people have since shared their memories of Mr Leel, who has been hailed as a “fine loon” and “inspiration” to all the boys at BB.

Susan Beagrie wrote on the post: “I was shocked and saddened to hear the news about Duncan. He was a topper of a guy and my heartfelt condolences are sent to his family.”

Lisa Allan said: “Very sad news, Duncan will be a huge miss to his family, the BB’s, and to everyone who knew him.

Duncan Leel outside Dicks Sports in 2018. Photo: Kenny Elrick/DCT Media

“Just the other week I got a huge wave from him driving the bus he looked delighted beaming from ear to ear, thinking of Jessie and Duncan Snr at this very hard time.”

Stuart McLaughlin wrote: “Absolutely saddened by this tragic news. A wonderful young man who went above and beyond in all that he did. Sincere condolences to both Duncan Snr and Jessie at this very sad time.”

Fraserburgh Cricket Club also paid tribute to Mr Leel.

The post reads: “Always keen for a hit when he could, Duncan helped fill in when we were short of players on numerous occasions and always talked up the cricket club to anyone who showed an interest and encouraged them to get involved.

“Duncan was a kind and thoughtful person who enjoyed a laugh and made lifelong friends through the cricket.

“He will be greatly missed by all at the club and is a huge loss to the wider local community.

“All our thoughts are with Jessie, Duncan Snr and the family at this incredibly difficult time.”

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