Tony Ross. aka 'thatchambee' RIP (incl. Funeral Details)

[thatchambeedaughter]

To both Geoff and and Peter Gilham we thank you, there is no harm done with the typo please do not feel amy anguish about it. What you all have done for Tony is more than any of us expected and Tony would be so proud and happy to know how many people care and were there today. So from all his family again, thank you so much. We are forever grateful. And I am most definately sure he is celebrating the 1-0 win today with a pint of London Pride in both hands :-) xx

[thatchambeedaughter]

I suspect no harm is done Geoff. It does say Friday after all and I'm sure those who don't put two and two together will double check first. You wouldn't see something like that in a Chelsea programme and you are to be applauded Sir for a wonderful tribute in the true spirit of Brentford Football Club. Well done.

Definately no harm done, we thank Geoff for his wonderful act of kindness. x

[Ealing Bee]

I met Tony when I played a season for Brentford Athletic (Reserves, actually!) around 1989, before I had to give up playing with a crocked knee. Tony was one of those characters you get in Sunday League football, without whom there simply wouldn't be any Sunday League Football, such was his enthusiasm and dedication.

Since then, my attendance at GP has been only sporadic, but any time I did go, I was always liable to spot Tony - and that tan jacket!

It's a bit of a cliche, but true nonetheless, that he really was a "one-off", a genuine character who made GP just that bit different (and better) than your average football ground.

RIP Tony, too young, far too young.

[Aberdeen flyer]

The Queen song "Only the good die young" was chosen by me and thanks go to PG for agreeing to us playing it. There was a reason I chose this as Tony, Craig and myself went to see Queen in concert at Wembley many moons ago and I thought this was the most fitting song for the occasion - there were many other songs that could have been played but having known Tony since he was 16 I thought the words to this song were most appropriate and unfortunately as I cannot make the funeral due to prior commitments it was my goodbye to a lovely man.

[SpiderBee]

Great photo, Tony with his BAFC badge on
Trying to remember the name of the young pup behind him

Darren "Dazzler" Mills?

[Aberdeen flyer]

The very one Chris - I remember you showing him the "beauty spots" of Amsterdam

[West Wilts Bee]

The Queen song "Only the good die young" was chosen by me and thanks go to PG for agreeing to us playing it. There was a reason I chose this as Tony, Craig and myself went to see Queen in concert at Wembley many moons ago and I thought this was the most fitting song for the occasion - there were many other songs that could have been played but having known Tony since he was 16 I thought the words to this song were most appropriate and unfortunately as I cannot make the funeral due to prior commitments it was my goodbye to a lovely man.

nice touch mate. I spoke to a few guys in the Lord Nelon and showed them the tribute in the Programme, they were quite shocked and most seemed to know him. As I said before, I never even knew him by name. Only by seeing him at countless bees games home and away He left his mark on me (and many Others) and not many people do that. Very fitting that the team earnt three points yesterday, they were for you Tony

[SpiderBee]

The very one Chris - I remember you showing him the "beauty spots" of Amsterdam

Not me. I was looking for Mac Salisbury. He was thrown in the canal!

[vcmazz]

This obviously doesn't apply to Tony's personal friends but, when you go to watch Brentford in a crowd of 5,000, you will perhaps know 100 of those personally. 4,800 you wouldn't know from Adam (the biblical bloke I mean - not Tony's son). You've probably seen the vast majority of them before, but wouldn't remember doing so.

Of the remaining 100, 90 of them will look very familiar. Walk around the ground and chances are you will see the final 10. You may never have personally met these people but you know the face and for some reason, you know their name. Tony was in that 0.2%.

[Sandhurstbee]

I have known Tony for many years and I am saddened about his passing.
Tony was a true Brentford fan and his hatred for the mob at the bush was immense, however a secret Tony kept to himself was that when we paid a visit to loftus road to cheer on Ipswich Town we distracted his attention & joined him in the junior Rs supporters club for the following season after they were relegated without his knowledge.
He was sharing a house with another Bees fan and when a letter arrived for him with a Rs badge on the front he went ape.
When he opened it he went berserk as his name and address was going to be printed in their programme next season as a loyel Rs supporter.
A true Brentford legend.

Ha Ha Never heard this One before I can only imagine Tony`s reaction. I well remember the Crossroads Tee Shirt from the 70`s as well. As much as we all have a massive dislike for the `Scum` down the road I don`t think I knew anyone who hated them more than Tony. I recall the time we went down our local Sports Club in Sandhurst and saw 3 or 4 blokes pinning Tony to a wall to restrain him. On investigation it seems Tony walked into the club and saw a Sandhurst player watching the football in a `Scum` shirt. Tony went mad and told the unfortunate soul excactly what he thought of `Scum`. Another occassion in the club was when Bolton played Reading in the Play Offs on TV. The club was packed with about 40 Plastic Reading fans with just me and Tony cheering for Bolton. Reading were 2 up then missed a penalty Bolton hit back to win 3-2 to raucous cheering from me and Tony. We then spent the rest of the night getting drunk and singing Brentford songs (-: Then there was the time his first wife Mandy came looking for him only to find him hiding beneath the skirt of a woman sitting at the bar! Mandy was not impressed. I am sure anyone whose life was touched by Tony will have many similiar stories.

[fencer/bee]

There are a few good stories about some of the grounds tony and craig got thrown out of, i ask you , how can you get thrown out for eating a pie ? but they did hahaha

[A_BEE_SINCE_63]

My kids and I had the pleasure of spending much of Saturday afternoon and early evening with a young man whom we have known for many years. Let's just say it was probably one of the hardest days of his 25 years (hope I got that right) to date. Throughout, he held himself with dignity. With a tear here and there and quite a few hugs from many of us who held his late dad very highly, he got through it. Even the players of BFC done their bit by winning the match.

Well done Adam, you were a star yesterday. Keep your chin up and be assured that your friends will be with you again this Friday.

[ChinaBee]

My kids and I had the pleasure of spending much of Saturday afternoon and early evening with a young man whom we have known for many years. Let's just say it was probably one of the hardest days of his 25 years (hope I got that right) to date. Throughout, he held himself with dignity. With a tear here and there and quite a few hugs from many of us who held his late dad very highly, he got through it. Even the players of BFC done their bit by winning the match.

Well done Adam, you were a star yesterday. Keep your chin up and be assured that your friends will be with you again this Friday.

Very well said sir

[cheshirebee]

My kids and I had the pleasure of spending much of Saturday afternoon and early evening with a young man whom we have known for many years. Let's just say it was probably one of the hardest days of his 25 years (hope I got that right) to date. Throughout, he held himself with dignity. With a tear here and there and quite a few hugs from many of us who held his late dad very highly, he got through it. Even the players of BFC done their bit by winning the match.

Well done Adam, you were a star yesterday. Keep your chin up and be assured that your friends will be with you again this Friday.

Spot on.

We, for obvious reasons, have focused a lot on here on what joy, fun and good heartedness TR brought to BFC and to sunday football over the years. We realised yesterday that he also found time to raise a son of whom he can be incredibly proud.

It's heartbreaking to see someone lose a parent at too young an age but if it's going to happen Adam showed yesterday how to deal with it with dignity, pride and the love only a father and son can share.

Hang in there mate.

[ChinaBee]

Clive / Chris I had the pleasure of travelling home with Adam on the train yesterday, both of your comments were completely accurate, it was a difficult day for us but God knows how difficult it was for Adam. A great lad and showed what a great Dad TR has been to his family, laughter, bravado, bad language, Mr Angry but deep down we all knew how GREAT a man Tony was. Sorely missed

[paulj]

Hi all, this is Jersey, Aka Paul Jacobs, I still cannot believe this tragedy has happened.Tony has been on my mind all week. I cannot attend the funeral on Friday, as I now live in Lincolnshire, Ian(china bee), could you please pass on my condolences to Tonys family, and please say hello to any of the gang from the old days of Brentford AThletic and Ealing Road Casuals that may be there.

[NorthamptonBee]

There are a few good stories about some of the grounds tony and craig got thrown out of, i ask you , how can you get thrown out for eating a pie ? but they did hahaha

Morecambe or was that the standing and eating in the yellow lined off section?

[GP200]

Morecambe or was that the standing and eating in the yellow lined off section?

...........he was drinking a tea/coffee in the lined area...........

[missing Dad]

Having spent the last few days reading all the stories about Dad I just want to say thank you to all of you for everything. Not only would he pleased as puch with all that's been said and done but I'm sure he'll be laughing at the memories (and calling a few of you some names - qpr club membership!).

I also rember the red crossroads t-shirt and Mum having to make sure it was washed and ironed for Saturdays, and the train rides home when she used to get the phone call saying he'd fallen asleep again and woken up at the end of the line somewhere!
The closest I got to sharing Dad's love of the game with him was when he used to take me with him to training / friendly's on Sunday mornings when I was about 8-9 (about 1988/89). I remember sitting on the sholders of the tallest guy and help put the goal nets up and take them down.
The pics are great, I remember seeing one of Dad and few other's all holding beers, wearing flared/bell bottom trousers and Dad had sholder length curly, almost permed, hair-now that was a picture!

I want to thank Kettering Bee for reminding us about the youtube video, hearing my two laughing and saying "yep, that's Silly Grandad" again was priceless to me. X

I hope as many of you can make Friday, I know Dad would be pleased. All my thanks again Vickie

[Kettering Bee]

Absolute honour to have brought you some happiness at such a sad time. It was a great day when I filmed that - winning the league and the Brentford family going wild in celebration with your dad's joy and celebration as good as it gets.

[Aberdeen flyer]

Having spent the last few days reading all the stories about Dad I just want to say thank you to all of you for everything. Not only would he pleased as puch with all that's been said and done but I'm sure he'll be laughing at the memories (and calling a few of you some names - qpr club membership!).

I also rember the red crossroads t-shirt and Mum having to make sure it was washed and ironed for Saturdays, and the train rides home when she used to get the phone call saying he'd fallen asleep again and woken up at the end of the line somewhere!
The closest I got to sharing Dad's love of the game with him was when he used to take me with him to training / friendly's on Sunday mornings when I was about 8-9 (about 1988/89). I remember sitting on the sholders of the tallest guy and help put the goal nets up and take them down.
The pics are great, I remember seeing one of Dad and few other's all holding beers, wearing flared/bell bottom trousers and Dad had sholder length curly, almost permed, hair-now that was a picture!

I want to thank Kettering Bee for reminding us about the youtube video, hearing my two laughing and saying "yep, that's Silly Grandad" again was priceless to me. X

I hope as many of you can make Friday, I know Dad would be pleased. All my thanks again Vickie

Hi Vickie - Brian here - I still find it hard to believe that your dad was taken so suddenly and he will always be close to my heart - although we hadn't seen a lot of one another recently we always managed a chat when we did see one another and you recalling the permed hair made me think back to when that was done - several of us had it along with the flared trousers and I have some pics of us somewhere which I will dig out.

As for the QPR supporters club membership which myself and our mate Terry arranged well I can tell you the air was blue when he got the letter.At the time Tony and myself were sharing the house in Harlington and I looked out for the postman so that I could get the letter and hand it to him myself - well he went ape when he opened it and promptly tore it into shreds along with a tirade of abuse which I won't repeat here.

I am so sad that I cannot make the funeral because of a prior hospital commitment which means I will be away but I will be paying my own respects privately.

The fact that you and Adam are so proud of your dad shows just what a good man he was and throughout the time I knew him (he was 16 when we first got to know one another) he would do anything to help others if he could.A great friend who will be sadly missed by all and especially by me.

My thoughts will be with you all on Friday .

Take care and if you want to send me a private message with yr e.mail address I will send some pics I have of your dad in good times.

[missing Dad]

Hey 'Uncle' Brian, long time! Just wish it was under happier times that we got in touch again. It's a shame you can't make Friday but private respects are somtimes better than public ones, my two won't be going but we're doing something special on Sunday.

I would've thought the air was jet black more than blue when he got that letter, but I would love to have been a fly on the wall that day! I would love to see the pics of Dad and as soon as I work out how to pm you on here then I'll send you my e-mail address - my other half will probaly figure it out in two seconds when he gets home!

[A_BEE_SINCE_63]

Hi Vickie - Brian here - I still find it hard to believe that your dad was taken so suddenly and he will always be close to my heart - although we hadn't seen a lot of one another recently we always managed a chat when we did see one another and you recalling the permed hair made me think back to when that was done - several of us had it along with the flared trousers and I have some pics of us somewhere which I will dig out.

As for the QPR supporters club membership which myself and our mate Terry arranged well I can tell you the air was blue when he got the letter.At the time Tony and myself were sharing the house in Harlington and I looked out for the postman so that I could get the letter and hand it to him myself - well he went ape when he opened it and promptly tore it into shreds along with a tirade of abuse which I won't repeat here.

I am so sad that I cannot make the funeral because of a prior hospital commitment which means I will be away but I will be paying my own respects privately.

The fact that you and Adam are so proud of your dad shows just what a good man he was and throughout the time I knew him (he was 16 when we first got to know one another) he would do anything to help others if he could.A great friend who will be sadly missed by all and especially by me.

My thoughts will be with you all on Friday .

Take care and if you want to send me a private message with yr e.mail address I will send some pics I have of your dad in good times.

Hi BJ.

Do you recall that day, coming back from an away game somewhere up in the north east, when we stopped off for a a couple of pints at Crewe station

Before we had even got in to the station buffet bar, a QPR special came through the station and Tony went ape. Up came the old bill and nicked him.

We asked what they were going to do with him and was told they would bring him back in time for the last train to London, given that we would take responsibility for him.

6-30 p.m. on a Saturday evening and we could find nothing better to do than spend the night supping Boddingtons in the buffet bar.

Just before 11-00, the police brought back a stone cold sober Tony and handed him over to two of his friends who were fairly wrecked! Tony was not too impressed.

Those were the days.

[wanderer paul]

http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/news/ar...al-391059.aspx

I've let the club know the date is incorrect, again! It's the 28th......

[Aberdeen flyer]

Blimey yes - I think he ended up taking responsibility for US !!! Mind you there are worse ways to spend a Saturday evening and the Boddy slipped down a treat...The things Tony would do to get out of buying a round !!! Great times sadly missed and looking back at the photos I have of our holiday in Cornwall with yourself,Stan and Tony brought tears to my eyes - both of sadness and happiness for the good times we shared.