Football family mourns stalwart Elizabeth

Elizabeth Killpartrick, second right, with family members at Bognor, pictured when son Darin was leaving the Rocks / Picture: Tommy McMillan

Tributes have been paid to Elizabeth Killpartrick, an important volunteer behind the scenes at Worthing United, who has died aged 73 after a short illness. So far more than £2,000 has been raised in memory of Elizabeth for St Barnabas Hospice in Worthing.

She and her husband Len, and their son Darin, are known throughout the area’s football community but it is probably at United where her loss will be most keenly felt.

Len was a founder member of Worthing United in 1988 along with Bob Albon and Lee Newbon. The new club needed finances - and volunteers. And that is when Elizabeth showed her worth.

Len said: “Elizabeth, along with other committee members, wives, helped in fundraising, event organising and catering to secure the much-needed capital.

“I was manager of the youth section’s under-eights through to them being the under-18s and Elizabeth spent a great deal of her time at all games near and far supporting her son and the team, her duties also including washing and drying strips .

“She even accompanied the team on their annual visit to Holland making sure the boys were okay and expressing her motherly skills to all of the players. She frequently referred tho the team as her boys.

“She is remembered to this day by the young lads who all appreciated her company and help when needed. Our house was always an open door to them.

“Being manager, goalkeeper trainer and chairman of the club for many years I could not have managed without her loving care and help for the club.

“At present I maintain the honour of being the club president – but still the greatest honour is that Elizabeth and I were part of the Worthing United youth development programme.”

Son Darin, who played and coached Bognor and is now a coach at Chichester City, paid his own tribute to his mum, who also leaves a daughter, Nicola-Jane.

Darin, better known as Dabba, who also has a sister, Nicola-Jane, added: “Mum was the most loving and caring person to all who knew her at Worthing United.

“She came from a football background as her father played for Scotland – I still have his international cap. She had the most beautiful smile and laugh and lit up any room she walked into.”

If anyone would like to donate to St Barnabas Hospice, all donations will be truly welcomed and appreciated - click this link