West Ham United’s beloved former joint-Chairman, David Gold, has been laid to rest at London Stadium.
The club report states that in line with his wishes, the committal of ashes took place pitch side following DG’s sad passing at the age of 86 – and at the same location where the West Ham family came together to celebrate his unique and fulfilling life at his funeral in February.
In a, private ceremony led by West Ham United Club Chaplain, Reverend Phil Wright, the lifelong Hammers fan was lovingly remembered by his close family members and friends present – daughter Vanessa and her husband Nick, son-in-law Dan Cunningham, granddaughter Scarlett, fiancée Lesley Manning and lifelong friend Charlie Cross.
To further mark the occasion, on the same day a newly-commissioned plaque in David Gold’s honour was unveiled by the family on the wall of the players’ tunnel at the stadium.
Recognising his lifelong, devoted support of West Ham United, the plaque reads:
“David Gold, our beloved Joint-Chairman and Co-Owner (2010-2023), grew up at 442 Green Street, just a goal-kick from the club’s original Boleyn Ground. A fan from day one, he was endlessly proud of having played for West Ham Colts and the club’s A team in his youth.
“While life took him in a different direction, he never lost his love for the club, purchasing his first shares in 1991, before finally realising his dream to be owner and chairman in 2010.
“He wanted the best for the team, and his fellow fans, and in moving the club to London Stadium, he allowed us all the chance to dream big.
“He was never too busy to give his time to the supporters, because he was one of them, attending every single home game without fail, and travelling to away games for as long as he could.
“He was passionate about fundraising for the West Ham Foundation and championed the development of the Youth Academy Training Ground. His warmth, kindness and unwavering support for West Ham United will never be forgotten, and he leaves a legacy we will treasure, forever.
“Thank you DG, for everything.”
Claret and Hugh says: DG was a great man and will never be forgotten by so many and it is entirely appropriate that this massive Hammer’s final resting place should be at the London Stadium. I have said before that he was one of the finest men I have had the privilege of knowing and can imagine just how thrilled he would be had be still be with us to witness the start of this season. DG wasn’t so much a West Ham fan as West Ham itself. He lived and breathed the club. It was his passion, if you like, his religion. He was more than joint chairman. He became something of an ambassador and always had time for every West Ham fan with whom he came into contact. He is so missed but we all know how very proud he would be at this time as the Hammers march on.
RIP DG
Very well said Hughie, nothing more than he deserves.