A PROMINENT businessman and well-known Dundee FC fan has died suddenly after suffering heart problems.
Kevin Knox, of Broughty Ferry, was recognised by many as a director at interior fitting company Primero Contracts, but was also a very familiar face at Dens Park.
The 54-year-old and his business partner Frank Ward were regular sponsors for the Dees, particularly during the early 2000s, enjoying successes such as a run to the Scottish Cup final.
Kevin died in Ninewells Hospital after becoming ill a year after a heart bypass.
Today, Frank paid tribute to his friend and business partner.
The pair started Primero Contracts in 1993 and worked on design projects for major retailers such as Ladbrokes, Specsavers and BHS.
Frank, 55, said: “We had worked together before Primero.
“But we realised there was an opportunity out there to go into business ourselves, so we formed the company.
“We’ve had many highs together and slowly but surely we built the company up.
“We have some great clients and fortunately a fantastic staff and workforce.”
Frank worked alongside Kevin at Primero Contracts, based at Johnston Road, for nearly 23 years.
He said: “He’ll just be hugely missed.
“I’m sitting here looking at his empty chair and it’s hard.”
Kevin was born in Aberdeen but moved to Tayside at a young age, with his family settling in Monifieth.
He attended Carnoustie High followed by Bell Street Tech where he became a quantity surveyor.
But his main passion outside of his work and family life was football.
He won silverware while managing Ferry Athletic under 17s but his main love was Dundee Football Club.
He was a huge Dark Blues fan and became a familiar face around Dens Park.
Primero Contracts became a major sponsor of the club for many years.
Dundee FC managing director John Nelms said: “We were also saddened this week as we got word that we lost a long-time fan Kevin Knox.
“Kevin and his company Primero have been part of the fabric of Dundee FC for many years and will be sadly missed.”
Frank added: “He was a massive Dundee fan.
“There was a bit in the programme about him as he was well known around the club.
“We put in a fair amount of sponsorship too. The Caniggia years with the Marrs were great fun.
“We had the cup final day against Rangers and even though we lost, it was fantastic.
“We have the happy memories with our kids all growing up with his boys, my son and daughter who were dragged along to Dens Park with us.”
Kevin required a heart bypass last year but had gone on to make a good recovery and took part in five-a-side walking football.
But he fell ill last month and passed away at Ninewells on November 30.
Kenny Ross, head of the Dundee Supporters Association, said: “Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.
“We are sorry to have lost a member of the Dundee family. I’m sure Kevin will still be watching from the high stand.”
Kevin’s funeral is set to take place at Dundee Crematorium tomorrow at 3.30pm where all family and friends are invited.
Donations may be made at the crematorium in aid of the coronary care unit and diabetic unit, at Ninewells Hospital.
Kevin is survived by his wife Karen and his sons Richard and Andrew.