DUNDEE United chairman Eddie Thompson died today - just three days after his son-in-law was killed in a motorcycle accident.
The two deaths mean a double tragedy for Mr Thompson's daughter, Edinburgh property lawyer Justine Mitchell.
Mr Thompson, 67, lost his long battle against prostate cancer early this morning.
The club said it was "devastated" by the death of one
of their most loyal backers who was "a very close and inspirational friend".
Mr Thompson won much admiration in the football world and was seen as a champion of the smaller clubs in the SPL.
Despite his debilitating illness over the past few years, he continued with his duties at Dundee United as long as he could.
He also insisted on supporting his team in person as much as possible, both home and away.
Mr Thompson's death came as the family was still reeling from the shock of the accident on Sunday which killed his son-in-law, Ken Mitchell, 38.
Mr Mitchell, from Murrayfield, lost control of his Harley Davidson on a bend on the A90 near Dalmeny. His wife – Mr Thompson's daughter – is understood to have been driving their car in front of him and witnessed the accident.
The couple, who have a one-year-old son, were married in 2004. Mr Mitchell ran an executive recruitment agency.
Mr Thompson, chairman of Dundee United since 2002, had been battling cancer over the past few years and received specialist treatment at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee.
But despite these efforts, the disease could not be prevented from spreading.
Mrs Mitchell had taken a big hand in helping to run the club since he was diagnosed with cancer.
And earlier this year there was speculation about whether Mrs Mitchell, 38, might become Scottish football's first chairwoman
The club said in a statement on its website: "It is with great sadness that Dundee United announce the death of chairman Eddie Thompson, who died today after a long illness borne with great fortitude, much bravery and a dogged determination to carry out his responsibilities at Tannadice for as long as possible."
The SPL announced Saturday's Rangers v Dundee United Clydesdale Bank Premier League match would be postponed as a mark of respect.
There would also be one minute of applause at all the other Clydesdale Bank Premier League games at the weekend in honour of the Dundee United chairman.
First Minister Alex Salmond added his voice to the tributes.
He said: "Eddie Thompson will be greatly missed as a key figure in Scottish football."
Dundee United manager Craig Levein paid tribute to Mr Thompson, saying he regarded him not just as a club chairman but also a close friend.
"We have lost someone I'd call a decent guy and as close as we've become he is someone I wish I could have known a lot longer," he said.
"As a chairman he could not have backed me any more than he did, but it is as a good man that I think of him.
"Over the next few days a lot will be said about him and what he achieved, but I really will remember him as a decent guy."
SPL executive chairman Lex Gold said Mr Thompson's death was "a great loss to our game".
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell also paid tribute.
He said: "Eddie was a genuinely popular figure in Scottish football who was absolutely devoted to Dundee United.
"He was very proud of his association with the club and always fought their corner with honesty and integrity, doing his best for Dundee United while always having the wider interests of Scottish football at heart."
Rangers chairman Sir David Murray added: "I had come to know Eddie well in recent years and even as he battled with illness his football club was always his main priority.
"We are deeply saddened by today's news and on behalf of everyone at Rangers Football Club our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."
The full article contains 671 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
