(Image: Facebook/Abbeyview Day Centre)
Tributes have flooded in after the death of an amateur footballer and his community-minded mother, who passed away less than a day after him.
Ryan McDowell, 38, played for Lochgelly United Sundays AFC, and was known as a “big gentleman of a guy who got on with everyone”.
News of his death emerged on Tuesday, October 6, and was followed within 24 hours by another tragic development, the passing of his 64-year-old mother, Val McDowell.
On Facebook, Danielle McDowell had posted: "I just wanted to let you know that our mum also passed this morning, early hours, I think losing my brother pushed her body to the limit."
A statement from the Lochgelly club said he was “always laughing and joking with all the lads, not just on the park”.
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It continued: “He will be very sadly missed, speaking here with a heavy heart because we all know it’s always the best of boys that leave us.”
Mr McDowell was a former barman at Abbeyview Bowling Club in Dunfermline and was well liked by its members.
In a post it said: “Ryan lit up every room he entered and will be greatly missed by all of us who considered him a friend.
“Rest easy big man, our thoughts are with those closest to Ryan at this desperately tragic time in their lives.”
Val McDowell did vital work at Abbeyview Day Centre, which provides professional support for elderly people.
The centre said: “Val has been a very special part of the Abbeyview Day Centre for over 10 years.
“She first joined us as a volunteer before becoming one of our drivers and relief drivers, and throughout all those years she gave so much of herself to the centre and the people we support.
“Val made a lasting impact on everyone she met, not only our staff and fellow volunteers, but also our members and their carers.
"Her kindness, warmth and dedication will be remembered and cherished by so many.
“She was truly a valued and much-loved member of our Abbeyview family, and her unexpected passing has left a great sadness in all our hearts.”
A joint funeral will be held for Ryan and Val McDowell at Dunfermline Crematorium on Monday, November 2.