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Derek Sword Obituary
As a teenager, Derek Sword played tennis for Scotland's team, but as an adult it was squash that led him to his fiancée, Maureen Sullivan. They met at a dinner of the New York Athletic Club, where he played squash three times a week, and they planned to marry next year.
Mr. Sword, 29, moved to New York City from Scotland six years ago to work as an equities sales analyst for Keefe Bruyette & Woods, a securities firm. The job took him to Britain every six weeks. That allowed him to see his family often, but he loved New York and did not want to live anywhere else.
"He fell into the routine rather quickly," Ms. Sullivan said. "He loved the quick pace, going to restaurants, being out and about."
On the morning of the attacks, Mr. Sword, who worked on the 89th floor of 2 World Trade Center, made three calls to his fiancée and one to his parents in Scotland to reassure them that he was fine.
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Stephanie Sword
September 22, 2024
I'm engaged to a Gann and it's so weird that I came from Sword and getting ready to marry a Gann. We both lost someone that day with our last names. Doesn't matter if we were related or not. Just truly lost for words that we lost a Sword that day R.I.P Derek Sword
2024
andy preston
September 12, 2024
Emma Park & Dougie Hawkins
September 11, 2024
Emma Park & Dougie Hawkins
September 11, 2024
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Emma Park & Dougie Hawkins
September 11, 2024
Our eldest daughter was 9 months and very unwell in my arms that day. Last year she took these photos in late September when she visited to pay her respects. Always thought of.
Emma Park & Dougie Hawkins
September 11, 2024
It’s easy to feel sad today and it’s easy to think of how you’d look when your face burst into mischief! I suppose we don’t have one without the other. Still use your life as a compass Del. Love to all who miss this lovely man.
Elaine Marshall
September 12, 2023
Another year has passed and it’s our honour to remember you again Derek. Thinking of those who love you most but especially your lovely Mum Irene ❤
Katie Burke
September 12, 2023
Often thought of, never forgotten. I’ll never forget that day or the days that came after. Hope you’re dancing with the angels up there.
William Stoops
September 12, 2023
Rest easy Derek. Gone, but not forgotten.
Ian Taylor
September 12, 2023
Thinking of you and your family at this tragic time - 22 years on.
Ian Taylor
Emma Park & Dougie Hawkins
September 11, 2023
Missed, and thought of often Delboy. Now our children pop in for a beer at The Golf Tavern, not so far away from the ages we all were. Easy days, so much fun. Thank you for making it so. Remember driving down from Aberdeen, you fell asleep in the back, mid sentence. Pulling up right outside the terminal at Edinburgh airport your eyes pinged open and you carried on the chat like the last few silent hours hadn’t happened. Always on an adventure, it is still so Love to all who miss this lovely man.
John Mitchell
September 12, 2022
Always in our thoughts, Derek. Never to be forgotten.
Elaine & Jim Marshall
September 12, 2022
Although we never met we remember you and your family today as we do on every anniversary Derek. I hope you and your brother Allan are reunited and I send my love to your Mum and Dad! ❤
Johnny Barr
September 12, 2022
Always raising a glass to you at this time of year, your energy and enthusiasm for life will always be remembered.
Emma Park & Dougie Hawkins
September 11, 2022
Always remembered and frequently smiled about Delboy. May you and Allan be causing much mischief up there. Sending our best to everybody who misses these two lovely lads. Much love, Emma and Dougie xx
Curt McDonald
September 11, 2021
To my great mate and favourite squash partner at NYAC. Twenty years on and remembering fondly the time we spent together both on and off the court. The amazing squash trips as we travelled around the US, the grand fetes in the NYAC ballroom, and the quiet moments spent down the pub after a hard match. You are forever part of my memories of NYC, and a friendship cut short. Thinking of you on this day, and often on many others. Squash courts are that bit emptier without you here.
Colin Rattray
September 11, 2021
Always remembered and sadly missed!
William Stoops
September 11, 2021
Never forget. Rest easy Derek.
September 11, 2021
Always remembered, never forgotten. A wonderful work colleague who’s smile light up the room every time he walked into it.
Allison Kerr, Edinburgh.
Elaine Marshall
September 10, 2021
Thinking of Derek and sending love to his family today. the 20th Anniversary.❤ I hope he is reunited with his brother and they are enjoying being together again.
Kindest regards Elaine & Jim Marshall, Stirling
Emma Park & Dougie Hawkins
September 10, 2021
May you two handsome boys be reunited up there and enjoying a dram or three. Our very best to all who miss them. Much love, Emma & Dougie xx
andrew preston
September 11, 2020
xxx
Anne Wilder (Thiel)
September 10, 2020
In remembrance of my friend Derek. I think of you often friend! Derek was such a special, loving person with an incredible passion for living in the moment and always valuing what was truly important in life!
Elaine Marshall
September 10, 2020
Although we never met we are thinking of you and your family Derek and sad that we we couldn’t visit the Memorial Pools this year! We will always remember you! Elaine & Jim Marshall, Stirling, Scotland❤
John Mitchell
September 10, 2020
It's my wife's birthday on the 11th and we always spend time to talk about you and raise a glass. Always in our thoughts and very sadly missed.
Emma Park & Dougie Hawkins
September 9, 2020
September sunshine and you're never far away. Still a big smile when we think of you, what a thing to leave us with! Strip the willow? Dance on Delboy. Much love, Emma & Dougie.
Elaine Marshall
September 12, 2019
We hold Derek in our hearts after sharing some time with his Mum & Dad at a memorial in the Queen Elizabeth Gardens a number of years ago. We place flowers on his grave every time we visit NY and think of him every year on this day! Jim and Elaine Marshall, Stirling❤
Pat Thiel
September 12, 2019
Still think of you! I use your "brilliant " now and again and think of you every time...
John Mitchell
September 12, 2019
It's my wife's birthday on the 11th and every year she asks me about you. I have no hesitation in telling her what a great guy you are and the fun times we had in Dundee. God bless!
Van Snyder
September 11, 2019
I knew Derek through his fiancee, Maureen Sullivan. Maureen and my wife Suzanne are best friends from high school in The Bronx. We used to have a lot of fun on double dates, trips etc. I taught Derek how to Ski in Okemo VT, at the turn of the millennium in 1999-2000. The poor laddie had such a sore bottom from it, but he was such a good sport about it. I always remember how he used to giggle when getting in the shower when the 4 of us would stay over at 444 East 88th street apartment that Maureen and Sue shared - thin walls. Derek directly improved my table manners to such a great extent - him being a true gentleman and me being a Phillistine. He taught me the beauty of steak with mustard - 2 things I love, but had never put together - during an all you can drink wine & steak dinner from which we carried our gals out on our shoulders. He is still the only person I have know personally to have been quoted in The wall Street Journal. A feat he attributed to "I knew the guy, he had a deadline, and no important people were returning his calls. So he asked me". He also buoyed my spirit when I was trudging my way through MBA school, and that meant a lot.
I hope Dave & Irene know how much Derek is missed and what an impact he had on people's lives. Fly high Derek, my brother. Fly high!!
Van Snyder
September 11, 2019
The finest Scotsman I have ever known. Derek really was a great guy.
patricia nay
September 11, 2019
I did a 5k with my daughter Laura this morning in remembering and honoring Derek. 9/11/19
Keith Thomson
September 14, 2018
The legend that was Del Sword still lives strong with Brona & I....Chinos and Blazer Del keep it casual. Miss u Bruv
Pat Thiel
September 13, 2018
Thoughts of Derek are still very much with us ... shared his story with our grandsons yesterday . He was "brilliant" and he is missed.
John Mitchell
September 12, 2018
Another year. Still breaks my heart that you are gone. Love to the family.
Elaine and Jim Marshall
September 11, 2018
Remembering you and your family today Derek....after.meeting your Mum and Dad at the 15th Anniversary Memorial we visit the Memorial pools on every visit to NY and hold you all in our hearts and prayers.
Emma Park and Dougie Hawkins
September 11, 2018
Autumn is beginning. Today there is a bit of blue sky, sunshine, warm moments and blazing leaves. We remember you Del and we try to live by what you taught us. Mainly that smiling is the shortest route to everything. Sending love to you and all the family, love from Emma and Dougie
Pat Thiel & Family
September 13, 2017
Every time I use the word 'brilliant' you come to mind ... remembering your brilliant smile. Thinking of you,
Emma Park and Dougie Hawkins
September 11, 2017
Thoughts with you Delboy. Today and all the others. Your name alone still brings smiles as the first emotion. Much love to all, Emma and Dougie.
Elaine Marshall
September 11, 2017
Thinking of you and your family today Derek! ❤❤
John Mitchell
September 11, 2017
Forever in our thoughts, Delboy! Very sadly missed.
Keith & Brona Thomson
September 12, 2016
15 years without you bud, the craic we would of had! Always in our hearts Del
Elaine Marshall
September 11, 2016
Derek, my husband and I are on holiday in NY and today, the 15th Anniversary of 9/11, we paid tribute to the victims of this heartbreaking atrocity at a ceremony in the Queen Elizabeth 2nd Memorial Garden where, briefly, we met your lovely Mum! We were so impressed by her quiet dignity and dedication in keeping your memory alive that we wanted to know more about you! What a guy.....no wonder she's proud! Thinking of you and those who love you most on this anniversary and we will hold you in our hearts for the years to come!
Elaine & Jim Marshall
Lindsay Cochrane
September 11, 2016
Thinking of you today Derek. RIP
Emma Park & Dougie Hawkins
September 11, 2016
Thinking of you Del. One of life's good guys, thank you for the laughs and mischief. Always remembered. Love Emma Park & Dougie Hawkins.
Pat This;
September 10, 2016
Always in our memory. A wonderful young man who will never be forgotten. The Thiel Family.
September 11, 2015
Rip Derek I never knew you buddy but I will never ever forget the phone call I had from your poor mum a couple of days later whilst I was working for an Edinburgh airport car park - all I wanted to do was give her a massive big hug! (I was a young lad at the time who quickly grew up after that 5 minute call) Every year that has passed I always think of you and your family and friends and how much you guys have went through.
September 11, 2015
Memories of you and Allan being friends with my wee brother at Barnhill, then knowing Graeme at Monifieth High School. Never been forgotten
John Mitchell
September 11, 2015
Derek, you will never be forgotten. A true gent and all round great guy.
Keith & Brona Thomson
September 11, 2015
Always remembered Del-Boy..life not the same without you
Andrew Preston
September 11, 2015
RIP my friend..
Katie Burke
September 11, 2015
Remembering this day like it was yesterday. You will forever be in our hearts! <3
Grant
September 10, 2015
Still the memories of school are clear after all these years. So many moments that brought joy, pain and what seemed like too much homework. So many lessons, so many playtimes, so many faces. Times passes but you are not forgotten. Forever with us no matter where we go. Forever with us no matter what we do.
Thinking of you and proud to have known you for just a moment in time.
Emma Park & Dougie Hawkins
September 10, 2015
So many weddings over those Summers, so many laughs over kilts and cigars. May you be still doing the same. Love Emma & Dougie
Pat
August 23, 2015
To Derek's family and friends he is missed by all who knew him.
He was brilliant and fun and charming. Will always remember him.
August 22, 2015
I remember Derek coming into FPK where I used to work. Such a lovely guy and such tradegy. I didn't know him well but I often think of him as September approaches. Much love to his family and friends x
Dale Bleach
September 11, 2014
RIP Mate. I think of you at this time each year. My thoughts go to you, your family and anyone who was impacted by this tragedy. Cheers DB Melbourne Australia
B
September 11, 2014
Never forget going through high school with you
andy P
September 10, 2014
think of you . and best wishes and thoughts to your family
Keith & Brona Thomson
September 10, 2014
Heartbroken without you Del. Always in our thoughts and always remembered. Keith & Brona
John Mitchell
September 9, 2014
Thinking of you Del-boy as always. A great college and flat mate. Always made me smile, never forgotten.
Emma Park and Dougie Hawkins
September 9, 2014
Never will forget your smile or your spirit. Or your dancing! So many laughs. Thinking of you Del Boy.
Love Emma & Dougie.
Pat Thiel
September 8, 2014
Always remembering Derek ... so much more can be said, but we think of him and can't imagine how much his family and friends miss him. What a special young man. I finally remembered the flower on the crystal trinket box: the Scottish Thistle (of course).
Colin Rattray
September 6, 2014
I have thought of you often over the years Derek, I remember having good times often with you at the sports club, I was so moved in the aftermath of 9/11 to see a DUFC shirt hanging from the fence of the church on Broadway! Had I known about this page I would have written on it earlier, we weren't close but you and your brother made an impression on my life, I'm grateful to have known you both, you made my life better!
Ed Thomson
May 15, 2014
National September 11 Memorial & Museum opened today and Derek you immediately came into my thoughts. We played together at Forthill in squash teams and leagues. We had great fun with Alan and laughed a lot. Wonderful man and beautiful family. May you rest in peace my son.
al
November 28, 2013
Although he was a few year younger than me I remember talking to Derek walking home one lunch time from Barnhill Primary School along Strathmore Street a few times. Seemed a really nice fellow. That was in the late 1970s so he was a very young lad and I wasnt a lot older. Never talked to him after that period but I remembered him and I knew right away when I heard his surname, Scotland and 9/11 mentioned together. Terrible waste but everyone who remembers him always remembers him as a great guy and that is a legacy.
September 21, 2013
Never forgotten at home in Broughty Ferry Derek, xx
Anne
September 19, 2013
Meeting you back in 1989 in Scotland, and being lucky enough to make you part of my extended family, especially when you stayed with us in HB.... Such wonderful memories, you are always in my heart!
Wendy French
September 13, 2013
Derek was thinking about you on Wednesday. Also thoughts of all the others so tragically taken. May God rest your soul. Love Wendy xxx
Ian Taylor
September 13, 2013
I played hockey with Derek's mum and dad, Irene and Dave, in the 60's in Dundee. My thoughts and those of my family are with them and their family at this time.
John Mitchell
September 12, 2013
Always in my thoughts Derek. Raised a glass to you yesterday, old boy.
Marco & Joanna Pia
September 11, 2013
We have never met, but by chance, my wife and I met your parents on the NYC metro today on their way to 9/11 memorial. I am a fellow scot and felt compelled after chatting with them to leave you a message to say that you and your parents were in our thoughts throughout the day as we could see a great loss in their lives.
Louise
September 11, 2013
Thinking of you, Allan, Graeme and your mum and dad
Andy Preston
September 11, 2013
Thinking of you pal.
Viki
September 11, 2013
Thinking of you today Deeeky. You were a shining star and will always remember our time with the Wood family and all the high jinx we used to get up to. You had such a kind heart. Thoughts are with your family.
Katie Burke
September 11, 2013
Always in our hearts, Derek.
Adrian Michaels
September 11, 2013
Wasn't feeling too bad about anything in particular today when I woke up, but it's all crept up on me now. My love and best wishes to all Derek's family and friends. He and you all are in my thoughts.
Dale Bleach
August 30, 2013
I remember meeting you on our tennis trip to the USA in Huntington Beach 1990. Greatest trip I've ever experienced. You helped make it that way buddy. RIP champion. You will always be "brilliant" mate. Dale Bleach
Pat Thiel
August 29, 2013
It's almost 9-11 again and my thoughts turn to Derek. It's easy to remember Derek...such a special young man. Always a smile and a kind word (I love using his favorite word: brilliant and every time I do he floats through my mind.) Rest in peace.
Emma Park, Dougie Hawkins
September 15, 2012
Del, you are always talked about, always thought of, always with a smile.
Willie Stoops
September 13, 2012
Derek, never forgotten. RIP
Pat Thiel
September 12, 2012
Thought of Derek often this year ... when he stayed with us while on a tennis tour, he brought a small crystal trinket holder as a hostess gift. I had put it away but came across it again and have it out so now I think of him more often. He told me the story of the flower on it but sadly I've forgotten it. To Derek's family: I hope by knowing how often he is remembered by others brings some small bit of comfort...always in our hearts, the Thiel family.
John Mitchell
September 12, 2012
Never forget you. Always in my thoughts, Delboy.
Lynne Thiel-Stroner
September 11, 2012
Thinking of Derek today and often. What a wonderful human being, such a zest for life. His spirit will never be forgotten.
September 11, 2012
Thoughts with you pal. xx Andy Preston
gail duthie
September 11, 2012
Remembering Derek today & every day, thoughts are with my aunt, uncle & his 2 brothers, today & always xxx
Keith Thomson
October 5, 2011
Del was an usher at my wedding and one of my best friends at the time he was taken away from us. 10 years on I still think of him as fondly now as did back then.
I was standing next to him and his brother Allan when Gavin Hastings went under the posts to beat France for the first time in the Parc de prance and he pulled out a cigar from sporran that seemed to be twice the length of the sporran itself!......still makes me laugh to this day.
My thoughts are with Irene & Dave and his brothers Allan & Graeme...may he always be remembered for his love of life and laughter.
Doug Christie
September 29, 2011
I worked with Derek's dad in the early 70s in the Health Board Work Study Dept. in Dundee and can recall the joy and pride in David's face when he told us all of the birth of 'the twins' in 1972. My thoughts are with the family...........
James Collins
September 28, 2011
I was at primary school around the same time as Derek, two years younger infact, but often spoke walking home. Every time we met at the Barnhill shops, in later years it was always good to catch up. I also got to know Dereks dad a little as he was one of my lectures when I studied at college.
I was really saddend to hear Derek was tragically lost on 9/11. Derek and his family are often in my thought when I hear or read about that tragic day.
Rest in peace Derek.
James Collins, Barnhill
Deanne Orabona
September 14, 2011
I just saw your memorial on Block Island at the South Lighthouse....very touching.
Mary Feder
September 13, 2011
Derek,
The few times I met you you made such a positive impression on me. You knew who you were and what direction you wanted to take at such a young age. I hope you are at peace and watching over us all.
Allison Kerr
September 12, 2011
I worked with Derek when he was with an investment management company in Edinburgh in the mid nineties. From the day I started he made me feel very welcome and every Friday was the first to "buy a round" for all his colleagues in our local bar. He had a heart of gold, a cheeky wee smile that would light up a room and was one of lifes true gentlemen. I still think of him often and remember all the laughs we shared. Thinking of all your family at this time xx
Wendy & Stephen French
September 11, 2011
Derek Ive been remembering all the good times at Holly Road on Saturday mornings playing tennis. Great times too with your brothers & mine when we lived round the corner. Love to your Mum, Dad, Allan & Graeme.Rest in Peace & you're always in my prayers xx
William Morton
September 11, 2011
Gone but not forgotten
Ross Beaton
September 11, 2011
I was an old pal of both Derek and Allan at Barnhill Primary School, and can remember many a fun time had at both school and both our homes!
Was always great to bump into them in a pub in the Ferry at Christmas time when they were both home to visit the family!
My shock of hearing Derek was in the WTC is still fresh in my mind as it was only days after the birth of my son Calum.
Thinking of Derek on the 10th anniversary, and Allan, Graeme, David and Irene.
RIP Derek.
Terry McGuigan
September 11, 2011
I had such fond happy memories of derek and his brother allan from m the mid eighties tennis circuit in scotland. He always made you laugh with his infectious ' banter' and his family were always so accomodating in putting me up at his local tournamenr in Broughty Ferry.
All my thoughts are with his parents, graeme and allan,
Terry McGuigan
September 11, 2011
Our thoughts are with you Irene and Dave at this sad time. Although we never met Derek we can see that he was a wonderful lad, loved by all. God bless you.
Ian and Linda Taylor, Bearsden, Glasgow
Gill Buchanan
September 11, 2011
I went to college with Derek in Dundee and on this day every year I think of him, Alan and his family. He was one of life's true gems and it was an honour to have been his friend.
Jennifer Bingham
September 11, 2011
Primary school and Mrs Ramsey's table of 3 per table...... Invariably I shared table 2 with Derek or Allan and Jenny. Lovely days of childhood and the resulting innocence. Of course, then playing badminton on Friday evenings brought out all of our competitive spirits.
Thinking of you Derek and all of those who enjoyed your company into adulthood
Jennifer Bingham
Pauline Adamson
September 11, 2011
I remember the Sword brothers from Forthill Tennis Club. I didn't really know Derek other than the mischievous glint in both twin's eyes. Knowing Derek was there has made it real for me and every tv documentary, every anniversary I remember that cheeky smile. RIP Derek
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