TRIBUTES have been paid to one of Grimsby Town's most dedicated supporters.
A popular character throughout the community, Norman "Nobby" Atkins passed away peacefully on November 11 at the age of 65, after suffering with kidney stones and going through dialysis for more than ten years. Mr Atkins, of Bentley Street, Cleethorpes, worked at Blundell Park for 28 years, also attending GTFC matches home and away for more than 60.
He is survived by his wife Linda, sons Peter and Jody, daughter Denise, brother Don and grandchildren Ashley, Leo, Dale, Niomi and William.
"Grimsby Town was the biggest part of his life," said his wife, Linda, 61. "He cut out snippings of every match report from the Grimsby Telegraph ever since the 1950s. He also bought every programme since 1955.
"He was a steward for several years, but he would turn his hand to whatever job needed doing at the ground.
"He was so respected within the club he was given a free pass to watch the games. He even featured in Jim Connor's cartoons in the match-day programme.
"He's watched them at Wembley, and even watched their reserve matches. He was one of Town's most dedicated fans – win, lose or draw."
The club will hold a minute's applause on Saturday before their home game against Barnet, which the whole family has been invited to attend.
Club stewards will also attend Thursday's funeral, and will give a guard of honour as Norman's coffin is carried in to the crematorium by friends and family.
Son Jody, 33, said: "We're immensely proud and we're going to miss him. He was so popular we've had to book a double spot at the crematorium for health and safety reasons."
Daughter Denise, 41, said: "We've had loads of phone calls, as well as people stopping us in the street to talk about him.
"We've had 58 messages on Facebook and the football club posted a message on its official website."
Brother Don, 66, said: "He was always cheerful and jovial despite his illnesses.
"He was rarely moody, he just got on with it and made jokes about his illness, it was just the way he dealt with it."
Youngest son Peter, 27, said: "He was just such a friendly man who had time for everybody."
Wife Linda added: "He was robbed really, because he was only 65, but he did more in those 65 years than most people do in 100."
The family thanked the renal unit at the Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital for all their work, as well as the paramedics and ambulance team that helped.
The funeral takes place at Grimsby Crematorium at 3pm, on Thursday, with 250-300 mourners expected.
At the request of the family, no mourning dress. Please wear football shirts.
Donations in lieu if so desired will be made payable to Mashfords Donations Account, Norfolk Lane, Cleethorpes, DN35 8BB and the final sum will be forwarded to a youth football charity.
