Queen of the South paid a heartfelt tribute to their disability access officer, Keith Thom, from Dalbeattie, by holding a minute’s silence on Saturday. Keith also served as the supporter’s liaison officer for the team before his passing last month. The tribute took place before the game against Montrose at Palmerston. Keith’s funeral is scheduled to take place at Dalbeattie Parish Church today at noon, where everyone is invited to pay their respects. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dan Maskell Tennis Trust at www.justgiving.com/page/keith-thom.
Keith Thom was a dedicated ambassador for the charity, having taken up wheelchair tennis following the amputation of one of his legs due to bone cancer. He was actively involved with Dalbeattie Tennis Club and excelled in wheelchair curling and pickleball. In 2009, he was honoured as the Stewartry Sports Personality of the Year and had also held the position of chairman at Stewartry Sports Council.
The gesture by Queen of the South to honour Keith Thom’s memory reflects the deep impact he had on the community and the sports world. The minute’s silence symbolises the respect and admiration he garnered during his time with the club and beyond. Keith’s dedication to promoting accessibility and inclusion in sports will be remembered by all who knew him.
In times of loss, it is important for communities to come together to celebrate the legacy of individuals who have made a significant difference. Keith Thom’s passion for sports and his advocacy for disability access leave a lasting imprint on the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. The tribute by Queen of the South serves as a poignant reminder of the power of sports in uniting people and honouring remarkable individuals like Keith Thom.