THE family of a record breaking footballer have spoken about the man behind the legend.
Former striker Don Speedlove scored a club record 629 goals during his time at Rhyl FC, and was well respected in the sport right up until his recent death at the age of 90.
His son Peter, who lives in Rhyl, said that although football was his father’s major love, Don was a devoted family man who passed on his passion for sport down the generations.
Peter, who worked alongside his father in the family business, D and P Spendlove Plumbing, said: “He had three grandchildren, Debbie, Dene and David, and two great-granchildren, Jack and James. I used to go to games with him, although I only played for Rhyl seconds as a one-off. He was a very mild, modest man, well liked by everybody.”
Before a knee operation in his 60s, Don remained a keen sportsman, taking up golf and tennis. He maintained close contact will his family and holidayed with his grandchildren.
Don’s wife, Joyce, died at the age of 82.
Peter said: “We used to visit him and he would come round on Sunday mornings. He has left a gap where he used to be in the family.”
Peter said he fondly recalled sharing the quiet times watching football on television with his father.
Daughter, Susan Parsons, who lives in Essex, said: “He was very family minded. I haven’t got his sporting spirit, but his great grandchildren have. Jack and James play for a junior football team in Buckley.
“I am every so proud of him. When I was in school, kids used to ask me if I was related to him and I just revelled in his glory. I loved him to bits.”
Peter thanked the friends of the Spendlove family for their support and good wishes.
His funeral takes place at 11am on January 31 at Colwyn Bay Crematorium. Donations will be gratefully accepted for the Alzheimer’s Society.