Ron Churchyard 4/2/1943-10/12/2022

The Football Club offers its deepest condolences to the family of Ron Churchyard who sadly passed away on Saturday.

Rons Daughter Kate has sent the following message- "He had 5 weeks in the hospice and then was home two weeks before he died. I was very proud to be able to care for him. We have had such an outpouring of support and love for him since his passing and so many offers of help during the last few weeks, it's been very humbling.

He will be missed a lot as he was such a big part of my life but he is finally at peace. He loved the club so much and I had to give regular updates on the scores and position in the league.  He was so proud of how well the team were doing. 

It will be immediate family at the funeral on the 28th December but we would like to see everyone on Thursday 29th December at the football clubhouse from Midday to share some stories and have a drink or two to send him on his way"

Club historian Phil Griffiths added-  Ron moved to Felixstowe in the early 70’s with his job as a lorry driver as they were called then and quickly joined the football club (Felixstowe Town FC) signing on as a player for the club reserve side where he played as a full back until he retired, but remained as part of the club until he passed on the 10th of this month.

After retiring from playing he joined Dougie Pipe as assistant reserve team manager & part time odd job man around the club when needed. Jan helped out in the kitchen along with other wives of players and committee men.

He also helped Charlie Phillpott run the clubs under 18 side (long story)

He was a free taxi when the club had no money using his car to ferry players to games.

He was part of the very fabric of the club even after retiring (officially) he could still be seen around the ground helping with the day to day things that were required

Ron died peacefully at home on 10th December with his family around him, he was 79.

A tribute page has been set up here- https://ronaldchurchyard.muchloved.com/

 

RIP Ron, we will miss you.