Tributes as popular Doncaster Rovers' honorary Vice President and lifelong fan dies

Tributes have been paid following the death of one of Doncaster Rovers’ most popular and well-known supporters.
Chas Walker was a lifelong Doncaster Rovers fan.Chas Walker was a lifelong Doncaster Rovers fan.
Chas Walker was a lifelong Doncaster Rovers fan.

Chas Walker, who was the club’s honorary Vice President and was heavily involved in the Rovers’ supporters’ club for a number of years, died on Monday at the age of 90.

Mr Walker continued to attend games up until towards the end of last season, despite suffering life changing injuries after suffering a massive heart attack in 2002.

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Announcing the news on Facebook, grandson Ben Leese wrote: “Tough one for me to post, however I’m sure there are a lot of people on here who would like to know.

“Sadly Chas Walker passed away last night peacefully in hospital.

“Many of you will know Chas from the many years working tirelessly along with others in fighting to maintain the existence of our club in times of adversity.“

Mr Walker was heavily involved with the supporters club for many years acting as chairman and was instrumental in the Save The Rovers campaign of the late 1990s when fan demonstrations eventually helped forced controversial club ‘benefactor’ Ken Richardson out of Rovers.

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However, in November 2002, while attending Rovers’ FA Cup First Round tie at Bournemouth he suffered a heart attack which left him in a wheelchair.

Added Mr Leese: “Despite this, Chas along with his wife Pat, continued to attend and support the club with a great deal of support from the club to make it possible which continued until late last season when his condition prevented further attendance.

“In recognition of Chas’s dedication and commitment to the club over a number of very difficult years, the club bestowed him with the title of honorary Vice President.”

He celebrated his 90th birthday last month at home with his family but died in hospital earlier this week.

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He leaves wife Pat, children Les and Deb and was a grandad to Kim, Martin, Charlotte and Ben and great grandad to Kai, Brooke, Declan and Ariana.

Fans have already paid tribute to Mr Walker.

Maureen Stephenson wrote: “So sorry to hear this. We know what a struggle it has been for you all over the past few years and we will always have treasured memories of him.

The Doncaster Rovers Supporters Club Retford Branch posted: “All our love and thoughts go to Pat and all the family. Wonderful family great supporters of the Rovers. Fought so hard against Ken Richardson and his cronies – always fought on behalf of the fans.”

Neil Draper wrote: “RIP Chas, a truly wonderful man,” while Nigel Knowles added: “RIP Chas will be greatly missed by your Rovers Family.”

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Alex Bell posted: “RIP Chas condolences to all his family - a great Rovers man!”

Tony Winstanley wrote: “Very sad news RIP Chas - condolences go to all your family and friends. You will always be a Rovers man, never forgotten.”

Matty Reed added: “Very fond memories of many great away days together in the late 80's and early 90's R.I.P Chas, my thoughts are with Pat and your family at this sad time.”

Gary Brocklesby wrote: “RIP Charles. Was on the same coach for the Bournemouth game. Very quiet and sombre journey back up north with his and Pat’s seats empty.

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“We had all been in high spirits for the game and had a few drinks in the local pub before the game. Got knocked out of the cup but no one expected the sad news as we boarded the coach to return. Great bloke.”

Mick Bolstridge posted: “RIP Chas. Was in them meetings he used to hold in the dark days and was at Bournemouth that sad day as well. God bless old lad.”

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