Computer pioneer Charlie tapped into hearts of many

Tributes have been paid to Charlie Knox, a devoted father and husband and a key player in the development of NHS Scotland's IT infrastructure.

CHARLIE Knox, who died recently, was known for his "integrity, fairness, unflappability and hard work".

He was born on 27 October 1946, the fourth of five children, to Jean, 93, and the late Charlie Knox, and educated at Broomhouse Primary and Boroughmuir High schools, growing up in the Fountainbridge and Saughton Mains areas.

He was a proud Hearts fan, a season ticket holder with the club and also a member of the Corstorphine Bowling Club, near to the home he and his wife Margaret, 64 – a retired Bank of Scotland employee – shared until his death.

Mr Knox met Margaret when they were just 18 and 19 years old, at the city's Plaza dance hall in the mid-1960s.

Mr Knox was working as a civil servant, and Margaret was with the bank, and they went on to marry at Gladsmuir Parish Church on 17 August, 1968, celebrating with more than 80 guests.

A year later their daughter Audrey, 40, was born – a child who would grow up to become very close to her father, sharing a similar personality and many of his interests.

Mrs Knox said: "He was a very supportive dad and always took an interest in everything Audrey did. He was very much a family man and also remained close to his mother, brothers and sisters. Family came first over everything else.

"I know I was very lucky to have met him."

Mr Knox had a long and successful career, beginning with the Scottish Office in audit work, before moving on to join the early days of the Scottish Office Computer Services, where he rose to become assistant director and was made a fellow of the British Computer Society.

In 1987 he was recruited into the NHS to become the director of the Directorate of Health Service Information Systems, focusing on the development of IT in the service.

He went on to develop many systems, helping to revolutionise the delivery of IT in support of clinical services.

By 2000 he had launched Scottish Care Information, which included specialised packages to enhance services for patients and staff. He retired in 2007.

One former colleague described Mr Knox as "a good boss, colleague and friend – encouraging and supportive".

But despite all his achievements he remained a modest man, who enjoyed time with his family, following sport, listening to music and doing crosswords with his wife in the evenings. A funeral for Mr Knox was held at Warriston Crematorium, attended by more than 350 people.