My Dad, a Dale fan for the last 79 years, sadly passed away on Sunday morning. Anyone who stood in the Sandy Lane end for the past 20 odd years would probably have recognised him in his light coloured coat, thrusting his right arm aloft to celebrate a goal. He saw his first Dale game during the Second World War when we played in regional divisions. He was one of four generations of our family who attended a game at Gigg Lane together. Quite a remarkable feat back in the 1940`s. The funeral will not be for a while due to a backlog at Rochdale Crematorium, but anyone wishing to donate something in his name (Philip Ridehaugh) to Spinghill Hospice, can do so without having to contact his family. You will be sorely missed at Spotland Dad, but you will live on, in me and your grandsons, as we carry on the family tradition. R.I.P. Dad | |