James Luck posted up on the 13th June that Paul was in hospital and not very well. I was then stunned just five days later when James then posted on the message board that, after being in intensive care, he had passed away that morning !
Paul used to travel to away games with the Supporters Club and was always to be found at the back of the coach with James Luck. I got to know Paul through his support for the Youth team and apart from being a member of the Saturday Morning Crew he also supported the sponsorship of the U18 squad over the years. Kalitsa Parrett wrote the following tribute:
‘Absolutely shocking news, our hearts go out to his family and friends. He was a big part of the support my son and family received from the Saturday Morning Crew who go to the Youth games, rain or shine. He will be sorely missed. R.I.P Big Paul xxx
On Friday, I met up with Clive Kingham on the platform at Hammersmith Station and we then headed for Turkey Street Station via Liverpool Street. Also on the same train were Michael Whelan and Kirsty Pitcher. I was surprised to see James waiting outside the station for us and he then kindly gave us a lift to Enfield Crematorium where we met up with Fred Hartman. Fred had set up a Facebook group in memory of Paul: ‘Paul Farley – Rangers Through and Through.’
We listened to ‘Please Don’t Let Me Go’ by Olly Murs as we took our places inside the Chapel. Keith John then welcomed us and later there were personal tributes from David Forbes and James. As we paid our final respects, we filed out to ‘That’s Life’ by Michael Buble. We were invited to join Paul’s family after the Service for refreshments at the Royal Forest Hotel, Chingford, which I noticed is actually situated in Rangers Road !
May I thank James for organising on our behalf such a magnificent wreath (courtesy of a Millwall fan in Dartford) and also to Kirsty for sending me the above pic.
‘Big Paul’, may you rest in peace.
God Bless.
Steve Russell
Well said Steve, what a great shame that such a gathering was necessary for so sad an occasion. RIP Queenie, you most certainly wont be forgotten.
RIP Paul and thoughts to his loved ones
Well done to all those who attended this fans funeral.It is always so sad to see anyone pass out of this world but I hope that the knowledge the team he has supported are back in the elite division will give him and his family some comfort.Come on you RRRRssssss.
well said. What a lovely send off for a great guy! Gonna miss u! May u rest in peace now big man! And keep cheering us on next season from above. Xx
I’d just like to echo the sentiments of those above. Paul was a big man with a big heart and will be sorely missed by all those who personally knew him and were also fortunate enough to come into contact with. Loftus Road will certainly not be the same for next season without the big guy cracking jokes that’s for sure.
RIP Big Paul.
God bless you son