Dumbarton FC community say emotional farewell to Gordon Lennon

Jun 19 2009 by Andy Galloway, Lennox Herald (main ed)

DUMBARTON FC said a tearful farewell to tragic club captain Gordon Lennon on his final visit to the Strathclyde Homes Stadium.

About 250 fans and friends gathered to pay their respects to the 26-year-old on Tuesday, along with his heartbroken family.

Gordon’s brothers, sister, mum and dad, Alex, wearing a Sons’ shirt, spent around an hour reading the tributes to the star, killed in an off-road vehicle accident last Sunday at Brahan near Dingwall.

A floral arrangement in the shape of the club’s badge was loaded into the hearse, which was piped out of the grounds after driving around the stadium.

Gordon’s funeral service took place on Wednesday at Hillington Park Church in Glasgow at 11am, followed by a burial at Hawkhead Cemetery in Paisley.

Meanwhile a benefit match is to be organised for the family of tragic Dumbarton FC captain Gordon Lennon, who died in an off-road vehicle accident last week.

Businessman Robert Ryan is forming a committee to plan the game, with collections also taken at Sons’ forthcoming home friendly matches.

Donations will be accepted at the Partick Thistle game on Tuesday, July 14, and the St Mirren fixture two days later.

St Mirren have also offered to donate their share of the gate receipts to the family of the 26-year-old, who will be laid to rest today (Wednesday).

Robert said: “Following the tragic death of Gordon Lennon there have been many calls for a memorial match, and people have been anxious to help Gordon’s dependents financially.

“In recent days, I have discussed this with fellow supporters. We feel that in order for things to be properly co-ordinated, a committee should be formed to organise a memorial match for Gordon and also to channel properly the donations that people wish to make.

“As a first step we’ll have an account opened in time to receive the collections from the forthcoming friendly matches.

“At this stage, the committee is yet to be finalised but we hope to be able to make an announcement soon on that.”

Tributes have continued to pour in at the Strathclyde Homes Stadium for Gordon, who had reportedly planned to marry his long-term partner Kelly Dempsey in 2011.

The defender and his girlfriend only became parents to their son, Kai, in January, and had just moved into a new home in Paisley.

Gordon’s team-mates fought back tears last Wednesday night as they visited the stadium together to sign a book of condolence.

One tribute in the book read: “Gordon, Dumbarton are more than just a football club. We at Dumbarton are one extended family, of which you were, still are and always shall be a part of.”

Supporter Kevin Murney also left a framed poem at the stadium, which contained the verse:

Gordon, I knew him as a player and a friend

As a Sons legend to the very end

You’ll be sorely missed on a matchday

I wish the Lord had let you stay.

A statement from Gordon’s family last week thanked those who had left tributes to him at the stadium.

They said: “All the family wish to thank everyone for your overwhelming response to the tragic news.

“In particular we would like to thank our extended family, Jim Chapman, Dumbarton FC and all the friends, fans and other football clubs who have offered us support at this difficult time.

“The tributes, and in particular those left at the Strathclyde Homes Stadium, have been a great comfort, as is knowing how popular Gordon was and how he impacted on other people’s lives.

“The memories which we have and the tributes received will be with us forever and retained for Kai who will through these memories share in the joy of Gordon’s all too short life as a dedicated father.

“Thank you all again for your support at this difficult time.”

A report on Gordon’s death has been sent to the procurator fiscal. No decision has been taken on whether a fatal accident inquiry will take place.