A football club’s superfan who died just three weeks after being told he had cancer is being remembered as a “true legend”.
Andy Everson died in the early hours of March 22 aged 70 whilst resting peacefully at home in Margate.
Mr Everson lived and breathed football and was well-known to those at Margate FC – having been the supporters’ club chairman alongside various volunteer roles at the club.
And the devastating loss comes just 22 days after he was diagnosed with cancer – with his daughter Michelle Jameson admitting it had completely blindsided the family.
But she was keen to reflect on the happy memories he had in his life and to celebrate the devoted family man.
“He was just amazing, he was one of those people that just helped everybody,” said the 37-year-old, his only child.
“I know he was a special person and he was special to everybody.
“He loved being a grandad and he was amazing with my two kids, he would always be available to help.
“We’re such a close-knit family and Dad really was at the heart of that, even when he was diagnosed he just wanted us to be happy.”
Mr Everson was born in August 1953 in Newport, Wales, before moving around the UK in his younger years.
It was only when Michelle was born that the family decided to settle down in Margate – which would prove to be his adopted hometown.
His work life was even more nomadic, with various roles occupying his time including stints in children’s care homes, as a carer and as a security guard.
Throughout it all, it was football, family and friends which gave the grandad-of-two life – with Michelle noting her dad had been a social butterfly “with a heart of gold”.
“When I'm trying to think about things to say about him, it always comes back down to that football club,” said Michelle.
“My dad being the chatty man and the person he was, he liked to get involved in things and it just spirals from there.
“There wasn't anything there he didn't get his hands into and there wasn’t anything that was too much for him to do.”
His cancer diagnosis came too late to be treated, having spread to his bones and spine, and is thought to have originated in his prostate.
A lifelong Tottenham Hotspur fan, some of his ashes will be sprinkled at the club’s new stadium as well as Margate’s Hartsdown Park ground.
His love affair with the town’s football team came after simply attending games as a fan – before being unable to resist getting more involved at the club.
In his time, he took on the role of supporters’ club chairman, mascot, minibus driver and fundraiser.
However, it was his work with the homeless which earned him a lot of respect – dedicating his Friday nights to bringing rough sleepers from the area to Margate’s stadium for food.
In a statement, Margate FC paid tribute to Mr Everson – describing him as a “true legend”.
“Margate FC are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of dedicated fan, and supporters’ club chairman, Andy Everson,” said the club.
“Andy was an integral part of the club, and as well as his duties as supporters’ club chairman, he undertook several volunteer roles within the club, including driving the supporters’ minibus to all away fixtures, raising funds by selling 50-50 Matchday raffle tickets, undertaking mascot duties as ‘Margator’ and dedicating his time to support our community trust homeless project.
“Andy will be missed immensely around the club, and we send our thoughts to the loved ones and close friends of Andy, a true Margate legend.”
A round of applause took place at the club’s game on Easter Monday.
Mr Everson is survived by his wife Sandra, daughter Michelle and her two children as well as his sister and aunts.
