Pure DFC Archive

Hello all

My dad sadly passed on unexpectedly last Thursday ending over 50 years of his support for the Darts. He first brought me to Watling Street in 1972.

Dad’s passing also followed the passing of Ian Franklin and Brian and they all had followed the Darts since the 60’s with Dad and Ian playing for the Dartford YMCA.

Special memories for Dad were the Glenn Coupland 80/81 title winning team, the class of a certain Mr Taylor and more recently the pitch celebrations on the Kingstonian pitch in 2010 and then the 2-0 win at Luton in the Conference Premier in November 2012. He simply lived Dartford FC and wore his numerous Darts shirts everywhere especially in his care home since 2019.

Before dementia really affected him his favourite players were a certain Mr Burman, a certain Ryan Hayes but number one the one and only DFC Legend Mr Lee Noble all of whom took time to speak to Dad.

For me, us winning Saturday meant so much Dad would have been proud.

Very sorry to hear this. Thoughts with you, the rest of his family and friends

Indeed Paul, please receive our deepest condolences at the sad loss of Dad, who will wear the black and white shirt forever +

Posted on behalf of Raymondo

Sorry for your loss .

Thanks Gary for posting this-Dad loved this photo of him with Ryno and Nobes at EastThurrock I believe

Dad’s wake will hopefully be at PP - he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way

Come on you Darts

Such sad news of the loss of another member of our DFC family, thoughts are with you and your family.

So sorry for your family's loss Raymondo, although I didn't your your father, I recognise the face from the image Gary put up.

Thanks Jonty and all

Dad was larger than life day to day but was one of those footie fans who was incredibly calm when watching the Darts win lose or draw - whether the Darts were sublime on the pitch or total crap lol

When looking back now at the hundreds and hundreds of games we watched together I’ll never forget him get incredibly emotional though at Edgware away at the end of the 2007/08 season where we won the league, Alfie Paveys 95th minute winner v Bus Stop Fc on Boxing Day a few years ago but especially Rynos rare headed goal (hat trick I recall?!) v Croydon in 2007/08 and us stuffing Mansfield when we were on TV for the first time ever.

Thanks to all Darts who Dad spoke to
Over the years RIP fella

Very sad news. We do seem to have lost more than our fair share of Darts recently and I'm very sorry to hear this sad news of the loss of your dad Raymondo. I didn't know your dad by name but I recognise his face from the photo. My deepest condolences to you and your family.