A unique memorial tribute has been paid to a well-loved hospital maintenance manager – his name on a new industrial boiler.
Billy Lindsay, who sadly passed away last year at the age of 60, worked at University Hospital Monklands in Airdrie for over 30 years and was affectionately known by colleagues as “Mr Monklands”.
Billy, from Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, had been looking forward to seeing two new boilers installed in the hospital’s plant room, so the memorial name plaque was seen as a fitting tribute by colleagues and the companies that made the boilers and put in the new equipment.
NHS Lanarkshire head of maintenance Graham Souter explained: “The estates team had discussed a suitable tribute to ‘Mr Monklands’ – the legend Billy Lindsay.
“A tree in the memorial garden just didn’t seem appropriate for Billy. So we were delighted when the first of the boilers was installed and we were made aware of this kind gesture – Billy’s name on it.
“I had the benefit a few times of discussing Billy’s future plans and he indicated that he would retire only when the last person left to go to the new University Hospital Monklands, which is currently being planned and designed.
“Now, and in keeping with his wish, he will hold watch over the main plant room until that day comes.”
The idea for the tribute came from Ian Burt, who’d known Billy since childhood, and works as a commissioning engineer for boiler manufacturers Cochran Ltd.
Ian, 61, from Stonehouse, South Lanarkshire, said: “We grew up in Coatbridge and got back in touch about 17 years ago when some boilers were previously installed at Monklands.
“Billy was a gem of a guy and very well thought of by everybody, so the memorial plaque seemed like a good idea.”
Gary Shepherd, managing director at Glasgow-based James Ramsay Ltd, which installed the boilers, added: “We had the pleasure of dealing with the gentleman that was Billy Lindsay for some 20 years. He was a man who knew every inch of the hospital like the back of his hand.
“It’s terribly sad that he didn’t get to see the new boilers going in, but it’s a top-class gesture from all involved that he will still be watching over the old place in this way.”
Billy’s partner, Sharon Devine, from Glasgow, said: “The memorial plaque is a beautiful and thoughtful tribute to Billy. He would be honoured to be remembered so kindly by the team at Cochran, with whom he worked so closely for many years.
“I’m quite overcome with the thoughtfulness and kindness of this gesture and I’d like to pass on my utmost and heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this happen.”
