A poignant funeral was held in Inverness today to remember a much-loved former fire chief.
The 57-year-old, who served with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for 27 years, spent a week in isolation before being transferred to Raigmore Hospital’s Intensive care unit, where he was placed on a ventilator.
Following two weeks of intense medical treatment, the father-of-two died.
Mr Wilkie’s wife Janice and two sons Owen and Blair were joined by a small number of relatives and close friends at John Fraser and Son’s on Chapel Street today to pay tribute to the devoted firefighter.
Due to the restrictions on numbers able to attend due to the coronavirus pandemic, mourners watched his service online.
His memorial has so far been streamed more than 430 times.
During the poignant service, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Group Commander Alex McKinley paid tribute to his “dear life-long friend.”
He said: “It is his people skills that I believe will be his legacy, a legacy still influencing firefighters today.”
He said Mr Wilkie will also be remembered for his “good companionship, fun and laughter” on the golf course.
During his touching eulogy, he shared a few words in tribute from deputy assistant chief officer John MacDonald.
He said: “Derek will be sorely missed by all his friends and colleagues, past and present, within the Fire and Rescue Service. Both the service and the world are better places as a result of Derek’s contributions, in a life that was tragically cut short when he still had so much to offer.”
His sons also shared memories of the “good times and the great times” with their dad.
Following the touching service, on duty firefighters at Inverness Fire Station stood on parade as the funeral cortege passed.
Firefighters lined the street in front of six fire engines as the flags flew at half-mast to honour the well-loved fire chief.
Upon arrival at the cemetery, firefighters performed a guard of honour as Mr Wilkie was taken to his final resting place.
Following the service, Mr MacDonald said it was a “fitting tribute to a fine gentleman.”
