A respected council boss has died nearly three weeks after his car collided with a tractor.
Douglas Edwardson was put into an induced coma after the accident on the A944 Alford to Aberdeen road, near Dunecht.
But yesterday, the 58-year-old’s “devastated” family confirmed he had died.
His wife Jane and four children asked to be left to grieve privately, but tributes from friends and colleagues within Aberdeenshire Council flooded in.
Mr Edwardson, who was head of housing for the local authority, was described as a “warm and generous” man.
News of his death broke yesterday just before a meeting of the council’s social work and housing committee, which Mr Edwardson always attended.
Committee chairwoman Anne Allan, who knew him for 20 years, said: “I would very much class him as my friend.
“He was an excellent officer and will be a big miss for the council, and a huge miss for his family.
“You could talk to him about anything, he was a lovely, lovely person. He used to wear a white poppy for Amnesty International and would grow vegetables in his garden and sell them to raise money for the charity. He really was just very caring.”
Councillor Karen Clark, former chairwoman of the committee, also paid tribute and highlighted Mr Edwardson’s “amazing knowledge and expertise in his field”.
She said: “We held him in such respect and affection, he really was a lovely human being.
“Personally, I think he was one of the most kind, caring people that I’ve known, and I think that brought a special quality to his work.”
And Councillor Geva Blackett, who also sits on the committee, added: “On a personal level I am just so sad.
“Douglas was a wonderful warm and generous man who went the extra mile for everyone, but he was a modest man who never sought public thanks.”
As well as being in the chief role at the council’s housing department since 2009, Mr Edwardson was well known in the Banff and Buchan area where he previously lived and worked.
He later moved to the Alford area, and was involved with the local community, including Howe Trinity Church.
the Rev John Cook said: “Douglas was a faithful member of Howe Trinity and served a term as the congregation’s property convener. He was dedicated and thorough in his duties as in all he did.
“But more importantly, he will be remembered for his kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity of spirit.”
Mr Edwardson and his wife Jane were travelling in their grey Seat Leon when it collided with a blue tractor towing a trailer around 2.30pm on Saturday, December 5.
A statement, released through the police yesterday, said: “Douglas’s family are devastated to confirm that Douglas has died.
“They are very grateful for all the support they have received, in particular from all the staff at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.”
Aberdeenshire Council’s chief executive Jim Savage said the “well known and respected figure” would be greatly missed.
He added: “Douglas was an incredibly warm, loyal and supportive colleague who will be greatly missed by many people right across this council.
“Our thoughts are with his family, and for our colleagues who worked closely with Douglas over the years.”
Richard Thomson, co-leader of the council, said: “Douglas was incredibly highly thought of and very well respected throughout the organisation.
“He was conscientious, diligent and effective in his work – everything you could hope a public servant would be.”
Opposition group leader Jim Gifford also paid tribute, and said: “Douglas was the ‘housing guy’ – he was involved in everything and knew his business inside out and back to front. He will be greatly missed.”
Police yesterday renewed their appeal for anyone with information about the crash to come forward.
In particular, officers are keen to speak to the driver of a small 4×4 who may witnessed the incident.