Memorial statue to dad-of-three stolen

Feb 18 2010 by John Hutcheson, West Lothian Courier

Memorial

HEARTLESS thieves have stolen a memorial for a father-of-three who died of a heart attack aged just 45.

Harvey Thomson worked as a carer at Heatherfield Nursing Home in Armadale and after he passed away in 2005 his family erected a statue in his memory.

His wife Linda, manager of the nursing home, said she and her three daughters are devastated that somebody could be so callous as to steal the memorial.

Linda and daughters Shona (22), Isla (14) and Heather (13), hope that they can appeal to the thieves conscience so they will bring the statue back.

Linda, from East Whitburn said: “My husband Harvey was a nurse at the home from when it opened in 1999 until his untimely death on April 29, 2005.

“Harvey was a fit, vegetarian and just 45-years-old when he collapsed whilst out on a bike ride and arrested in the coronary care unit at St John’s Hospital.

“Our daughters Shona, Isla, and Heather were only 18, 10, and 9 at the time and naturally we were all devastated, as were the staff at Heatherfield.

“Harvey was a quiet unassuming family man who never had a bad word to say about anyone and was well liked and respected by everyone.

“It was felt that there needed to be some form of tribute to his life .

“There was a collection for staff to contribute to the creation of a memorial garden.”

Linda said it was her eldest daughter Shona who noticed the statue was missing Monday, February 18.

She continued: “Shona was walking into work and noticed that the statue that had been placed in the garden was missing and was very upset.

“It is very obviously a memorial garden with a plaque that said ‘in memory of Harvey, a dearly missed colleague and friend’, the statue was also heavy and it took two men to place it in the garden.

“It is difficult enough to go through this life changing experience without someone being so callous and disrespectful, it has also deeply upset those staff who knew Harvey.

“We can only hope that this has been some sort of prank and that someone out there will recognise the distress caused and return the statue to the memorial garden or contact Heatherfield if they have any knowledge of its whereabouts.”

Anyone who has any information about the theft should contact their local police station or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.