David Brown

David Brown, the only child of Allan and Jacqueline Brown passed away after being involved in a car crash on 12th January 2008.

He was a true gem of a guy, met once- never forgotten.

(Report from THe Falkirk Herald 15th January 2008)
THE DEVASTATED parents of a 28-year-old former Falkirk Rugby Club player killed in a car crash have spoken of their son's fun–loving nature and his passion for sport.

David Brown died on Monday after his Peugeot Boxer van was involved in a three-vehicle accident on the M74 in South Lanarkshire, near the Crawford junction.

David's van struck the rear of a logging lorry at around 6 a.m. and was then hit by a second HGV.

Emergency services attended shortly afterwards, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

David was the only child of Allan (55) and Jacqueline Brown.
Speaking from their Bonnybridge home, Jacque-line (54) said: "He was just a very good son. He had lots of friends and to say he was popular is an understatement.

''He was passionate about Falkirk Rugby Club and a football supporter. He also liked to play golf when he could."

The keen rugby fan, who played with the club's first team until 2004, was on his way to work when the accident happened.

David, who lived in Kinnaird Village, Larbert, had worked for Bonnybridge firm E&R Moffat since leaving Denny High School at 16.

As a service engineer for the company he regularly travelled throughout the country.

William Moffat, managing director of E&R Moffat, praised David for being a good worker who always had a smile on his face.

He said: "Everyone here is deeply saddened. It goes without saying that our thoughts are with his mother and father.

We are a family business and everyone in here has been touched by what happened. He had his whole life in front of him."

David, who grew up in Bonnybridge, joined Falkirk Rugby Club as a youngster, playing firstly at school entry level before working his way up to the first team.

He showed promise as a hooker, and even spent time playing rugby in Australia, but had to give up the game due to work commitments.

Club president Alex McQuade said: "I was devastated by the news. David was with us from a teenager.

''Although no longer a player, he was still a stalwart member of the club.

I last spoke to him on Saturday, he was still very much involved with the club. He was a good supporter who followed the club everywhere.

"David was full of mischief and really enjoyed life. He was very popular with everyone in the club and always full of fun. It came very much as a shock to everyone. My thoughts are with his parents who must
be devastated."

Neighbour and family friend May McLennan also expressed her sadness.

She said: "The neighbours were all shocked; we're all clinging together. He was a really nice fella, you couldn't have met a nicer lad."

David's funeral will take place at Bonnybridge's St Helen's Church and then Falkirk Crematorium on Friday, January 23, at 10.30 a.m.

As a mark of respect, E&R Moffat will close for the day.

Enquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident and police are appealing for any witnesses to contact Constable Andrew Neilson at the Motherwell road policing department on (01698) 483124.