Bruce de Wert

Mr de Wert, who ran the Wick-based law firm Georgesons, died last Thursday.

He had borne his diagnosis of primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) with great courage and retired as senior partner at Georgesons almost three years ago.

His daughter Nicole de Wert-Wightman told the John O’Groats Journal: “He died at a clinic in Switzerland where he was able to end his life with dignity and on his own terms.

“He made the difficult decision after many years of battling PPMS. He could see that in the very near future he would be confined to a bed, needing round-the-clock care and no longer able to take part in the things he loved. That isn’t something he wanted for himself.”

Originally from Oxford, Mr de Wert studied at Strathclyde University and worked in Glasgow and Edinburgh before moving to Wick in 1984 as a court solicitor.

He built up Georgesons solicitors and was quick to adapt to the online, digital world.

An active man, his hobbies included cycling, running, swimming, squash, tennis, windsurfing, boating and flying.

Last year, Highland law firm Munro and Noble incorporated Georgesons into its business.

Mary Nimmo, senior partner of Munro and Noble, said: “We are all very sorry to hear that Bruce de Wert passed away after a courageous battle with PPMS.

“Mr de Wert served Caithness and beyond for decades and was a larger-than-life character who will be missed by his family, friends and clients. Our thoughts are with them all.”

Douglas Mill added: “Bruce was a character. He was ahead of his time in the adoption of technology and was a solicitor with a keen sense of business. He dealt incredibly bravely with his diagnosis.

“He worked hard to ensure continuity for his staff and clients and the continued provision of legal services in that part of Scotland. Munro and Noble are to be commended in the way they facilitated the transfer of Georgesons. Bruce will be sadly missed.

Mr de Wert is survived by his wife Collette, his two daughters Leoni and Nicole, and four grandchildren.

A memorial event will be held on Wednesday, March 13, at 11am, at the Parkville Hotel, 296 Glasgow Road, Blantyre, G72 9DG.