On Sunday morning, my dad died. He was almost 88 and, as regulars on here know, was a lifelong Derby fan. Born and brought up in Allestree, he passed on his passion (affliction) for the Rams to me and, in turn, to my eldest son.
He was at the 1946 Cup Final and, thanks to lockdown, we got to watch virtually every game last season together online.
However frustrating last season was, he was looking forward to the new one with, as he always had, total optimism for the future.
The last game we talked about was the Real Betis win. It cheered him up to know we'd won against a decent Spanish team.
I know many (probably all?) of you have gone through similar times so I'm not looking for sympathy at all. Instead, weirdly, I now feel that I'm even more determined to carry on supporting the club he and I love so much so that every time I cheer for the Rams, a little part of that will be his voice too.
So, on behalf of my Dad, Eric, this will be the first of many this season
COME ON YOU RAMS!
My Dad
posted on 3/8/21
Sorry to hear about your loss Peeder, it is terrible to lose a loved one even at a good age. Your dad has seen the very best of two Rams sides which is more than most can say. It's good that he went while he was reasonably fit, cuz hanging on when your are really poorly is awful.
My dad died at 92 and was a Stoke fan! We had plenty of arguments about his favourite player, Stan Matthews. I don't think he would do any good these days, but he reckoned that he could.
posted on 3/8/21
Thank you all 🖤🤍🖤🤍
posted on 4/8/21
Hi Peeder. Yes we've all been there mate but it never softens the blow does it. I hope Mel reads this tribute and does whatever he needs to do to make sure we have a good season. God Bless xx
posted on 4/8/21
Its reminded me of a story. My Dad (passed 39 years ago)....he'd be 99 this year.I got into watching the Rams when I was about 16....at the time of Cloughie. I was Derby mad at the time....I guess as I still am. Anyway, Dad always used to say "...of course I could've played for Derby y'know"....we all thought it was BS tbh. Anyway, some years after he'd passed I was talking to an Uncle on my Mum's side about The Rams. He said "your Dad could've played for Derby....I was there when they came down to try and sign him....but he thought his job at the Carriage & Waggon Works was more steady - so he declined".... amazing really....but we were Gob Smacked at the time.... I also had an Uncle on my Dads side who (allegedly) played in Goal for Forest....but thats another story....UTR
posted on 4/8/21
A touching tribute to your father Peeder.
RIP Eric and let’s hope he looks down on a Rams win this Saturday.
posted on 4/8/21
Terry H ... thats an amazing story! What might have been eh?
Cheers to you and Saudi 😉
posted on 4/8/21
My sincerest condolences Peeder.
Thoughts are with you and your Family
posted on 6/8/21
RIP
posted on 7/8/21
Very sad to read this news Peeder, always loved the stories you shared regarding Eric, proper Ram.
May he rest in peace.
Eric
posted on 9/8/21
Peeder, wanted to say how sad it was earlier but have been in Blighty to see my own Dad (93) and lost my password to comment on this site, back stateside now and getting over double pneumonia that I managed to pick up whilst visiting. Long may your happy memories of your Dad last.