Family's tribute to fatal accident victim
THE family of a lorry driver killed in a tragic road accident on Friday have paid a loving tribute to the man they described as "hard working and well-liked".
Graham Wallace (54), died when his truck overturned and veered into a wall next to a house on the A98 Banff to Fraserburgh road, three miles east of Banff.
The truck driver, from Kininmonth, was transporting grain for Mintlaw Transport, part of the Les Taylor Group, when his vehicle crashed.
The accident occurred around 5.45am on Friday morning and the road was closed for approximately 12 hours to allow investigation work to be completed and the lorry to be removed.
Emergency crews were unable to save Mr Wallace who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Sarah Wallace, Graham's daughter, said: "The family is devastated and is trying to come to terms with their sudden and tragic loss. He will be irreplaceable and will leave a huge hole in all our lives.
"Dad was a hard working and well-liked man who was always willing to help anybody who needed it. He will be terribly missed by everyone who knew him.
"Graham was a much loved and devoted husband of Mary, Dad to Ann and Sarah, father-in-law to Campbell and Phil, beloved grandad to Rhimini, Liam, Riley and Libby, and brother to Robert and Lenny.
"The family would like to thank everyone for their kindness and support at this difficult time.
"Funeral arrangements shall be announced later."
Graham's death is the second tragedy to hit the Mintlaw-based company in as many weeks after its founder Les Taylor (57), vice-chairman of Peterhead FC, died suddenly after suffering an aneurysm.
Mr Taylor, of Windynook, New Leeds, founded and built one of the North-east's most robust and admired business groups, which now includes Les Taylor Contractors, JG Fowlie Contractors, Grampian Building Contractors as well as Mintlaw Transport.
Sergeant Graham Sloan of Grampian Police, who attended the scene of the last week's fatal crash, said: "It is too early in our investigation to comment on the cause of the collision, our investigators will examine all the factors involved. It has been a challenging situation, with the recovery of the lorry and its spilled load of grain causing the road to be closed for such time. Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased at this time."
He appealed for anybody who may have witnessed the collision or seen a lorry prior to the collision to make contact with Grampian Police on 0845 600 5 700 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous.
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Monday 06 February 2012
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