Linfield FC records with deep sadness the passing this morning of Derek Graham, the chairman of the Dungannon Linfield SC.
Derek passed away peacefully in Craigavon area hospital, aged 57.
Derek worked all his adult life for Northern Ireland Water and he was chairman of the Dungannon LSC for over 30 years.
Derek’s serious illness was diagnosed only a few months ago but the inspirational bravery and strength of character he displayed since then has been quite phenomenal.
I had the privilege of spending precious time with him in his Dungannon home one Saturday morning a few weeks ago when I took the Gibson cup, to bring a huge smile to his welcoming face.
Along with Andrea Kirk, chairperson of the Dungannon Ladies LSC, we shared numerous stories of Linfield games and players down through the years and Derek fondly recalled with affection the late Ivan Foster MBE, the former management committee member who helped him set up the Dungannon LSC and who assumed an honorary Vice President role in the early formative years of the club.
Following his diagnosis, Derek was determined to live out every last day to the full and he shared with me countless tales of a happy life, lived well.
Relying on a strong and renewed Christian faith, he faced the future with immense courage and proudly showed me photos of all his family who only a week or two earlier, had gathered to witness he and his devoted wife and soulmate Jeanette renew their wedding vows.
Jeanette and Derek were making plans to visit the north coast on the following day, as they intended to make the most of their remaining precious time together. They had already enjoyed an early Christmas dinner together and they clearly shared an incredible bond and love between them.
In the past few weeks, Derek has been in and out of hospital and he was extremely appreciative of the support and care given to him by the medical professionals which enabled him to spend as much time as possible in his own home, surrounded by his devoted family.
Derek and Jeanette kept in touch with me in recent weeks by text and in his final text to me on Friday, he was still hoping to get home for Christmas and finishing the message with his customary ‘come on the Blues’.
The timing of his sad passing so soon before Christmas will add to the pain being felt by his grieving and sorrowing family.
As well as his devoted wife Jeanette, Derek is survived and mourned by his sons David and Lyle and grand children Evin, Lukas, Emma and Skivia. His son Lyle had taken leave of absence from his employment in New Zealand to return home, to spend the past few months with his father.
The deepest sympathy of everyone at Linfield FC is extended to the entire Graham family circle and to Mark McCammon (Secretary) on behalf of the Dungannon LSC at this very sad and poignant time.
Audaces Fortuna Juvat
AC
Honorary Vice President
Dungannon LSC
from funeral times.com
GRAHAM – December 22nd, 2022 (peacefully) at hospital, Derek William, 49 Stevensons Avenue, Moygashel, Dungannon; much loved husband of Jeanette, dear father of David, partner Gintare and Lyle, and dearly loved grandfather.
Funeral service on Saturday 24th December in St. Anne's Church, Dungannon at 11.00 a.m., followed by interment in Cottagequinn Cemetery
No flowers please.
Donations if desired for Drumglass Parish Building Fund and Charis, made payable by cheque to “D. Marshall”, c/o Dereck Marshall & Sons, Funeral Directors, Stangmore Park, 4A Far Circular Road, Dungannon BT71 6LW.
Will be lovingly remembered by his Wife, Family and all the Family Circle.
“At Home with the Lord”