Steven Dick, the deputy head of mission at the British embassy in Budapest, passed away on Tuesday after testing positive for the COVID-19 disease.
Mr Dick’s parents, Steven and Carol Dick, said: “Steven was a much-loved son, grandson and nephew.
“He was kind, funny and generous. It was always his dream to work for the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and he was very happy representing our country overseas.
They added: “We are devastated by his loss and ask for privacy at this tragic time.”
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: “I am desperately saddened by the news of Steven’s death and my heart goes out to his parents Steven and Carol.
“Steven was a dedicated diplomat and represented his country with great skill and passion. He will be missed by all those who knew him and worked with him.”
Mr Dick had worked at the Foreign Office since 2008. His fellow officials at the Foreign Office added their condolences.
British ambassador to Hungary Iain Lindsay said: “I and my team and our families are deeply saddened and shocked at Steven’s passing.
“We extend our deepest condolences and sympathy to his family and friends.
“Steven was a dear colleague and friend who had made a tremendous impression in Hungary since his arrival last October with his personal warmth and his sheer professionalism, not least his excellent Hungarian.
“As our fellow Scot Robert Burns, whose works we had recently recited together, wrote ‘Few hearts like his, with virtue warm’d, Few heads with knowledge so inform’d.’ We will miss him so much.”
And Sir Simon McDonald, the top civil servant at the Foreign Office, said: “This is simply shattering news. I knew Steven personally and he was an exemplary officer and a lovely man.
“He was just starting out on what was sure to be an outstanding career and his friends around the world and across the FCO will miss him sorely.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Shaun Walker, the Guardian’s eastern Europe correspondent based in Budapest, described Mr Dick on Twitter as “very intellectually curious and extremely helpful.”
