EuroHockey joins the Scottish Hockey community in mourning the death of Derek Forsyth, one of the country’s most passionate and dedicated forces for hockey.
The Performance Programme Manager and former Scotland men’s national team coach passed away after a short illness.
Paying tribute to Derek, EuroHockey President Marijke Fleuren said: “We are truly saddened to hear of Derek’s passing, a man who had such a large influence on so many players in Scotland.
“Our thoughts are with his wife Lynn and sons Alan and Derek at this extremely difficult time.”
Derek was a tremendous servant to Scottish Hockey, most recently in the role of Performance Programme Manager, and to the Scotland men’s programme. He started as assistant coach of the men’s national team from 2007, then stepping up to the head coach position in 2012.
During his tenure, Scotland rose from 28th to 19th in the world – their highest ever ranking – and reached the World League semi-finals in 2017. He was also head coach for three Commonwealth Games. Most recently, the side took silver in 2021 at Men’s EuroHockey Championship II in Gniezno.
His family is synonymous with Scottish hockey. Derek’s wife, Lynn, is the current Scottish Hockey president and is a former Scottish Hockey international. Both of Derek’s sons, David and Alan, are also Scottish Hockey Internationals.
Barry Cawte, Chief Executive of Scottish Hockey, said, “We are devastated by the loss of one of our hockey family. Derek has been one of the most influential people in our sport, the scale of his impact over the years cannot be measured. He is an all-time great in our sport. His passion and determination for our organisation was unparalleled.
“Derek was widely respected and was an integral part of our team, and was always a great source of support for so many of his colleagues. We will greatly miss his humour, drive, ambition and knowledge. It has been an honour to have him as a colleague and friend.
“Our deepest condolences at this time remain with Lynn, David and Alan and all his family and friends.”