Thursday, 7 May 2009

Fatal Ladder Fall for Window Cleaner, Scotland.



Family's shock after Townhill window cleaner is killed in ladder fall: TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular Townhill man who died in a tragic work accident on the eve of his 53rd birthday.
James Ferrier, a self employed window cleaner, fell from a ladder while cleaning windows at a first floor flat in Townhill Road, Dunfermline, on Monday morning. The father of four, who was working with his brother Ronnie at the time, was taken by ambulance to Queen Margaret Hospital but passed away around midday. Family members said he was a beloved dad and granddad who lived for his family and will be sadly missed. His son Paul (30) said, “We don’t know whether he fell or the ladders gave way. “It was an accident and my uncle Ronnie found him lying there on the concrete. An upstairs neighbour phoned for an ambulance after she heard the noise. I don’t think he had much chance after he hit the ground. It’s been so upsetting for the family.”
Mr Ferrier, formerly of Wilson Street, established his business about 15 years ago and was well known around the Dunfermline central area. He lived alone with his two dogs and was a committed member of the Church of the Nazarene in Headwell Avenue where he had recently conducted a service. Paul continued, “There will be lots of people who still don’t know about this because he had so many customers all over Dunfermline who knew him. He cut peoples grass, done hedges, painted living rooms – he did everything. “Sometimes he was too generous. Normal people would charge fifty quid where he would charge a tenner – that’s the type of person he was. “He took an actual service the day after he passed when the minister went up to Aberdeen and asked him to help out.”
Lorna Tutty (38,) Minister at the Church of Nazarene, said the news had been “gut-wrenching” for her and the congregation, where Mr Ferrier had been “much loved and respected” by many people in the community. She said, “It has been a shock to all the members. “Jim was one of those men not just to have talked about his faith but lived it out in his everyday working life and his home life. “Jim was lively and vibrant in the church. He would share a joke but also give an ear to listen to people’s problems. He cared for everyone and touched so many lives. “He had the enthusiasm not just to share a pulpit ministry but also visit the ill. “The church was like an extended family for Jim and for many of the congregation he was like a son and a father.”
Ronnie Ferrier will continue his brother’s business. Police said there were no suspicious circumstances and a report had been sent to the procurator fiscal. The funeral service will take place next week.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

If this terrible tragedy does not make window cleaners wake up & move from using ladders to working with waterfed poles, then nothing will! I am only to aware of the dangers of working with ladders on a daily basis and this is why i have changed to the much safer method of cleaning windows, without the need for ladders! God Bless this gentleman's family, my prayers are with you.

Jeff Brimble said...

How terribly sad, for others please save your life and go waterfed. I hope his brother does !

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