Harwich: Tributes to late football hero (From Harwich and Manningtree Standard)

Harwich: Tributes to late football hero

4:52pm Wednesday 21st July 2010

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FRIENDS and family have paid tribute to a “footballing hero” who died at the weekend.

Don Bacon, 77, made over three hundred appearances for Harwich and Parkeston Football Club during the late 1950’s, holding the record for the most number of caps.

The former midfielder died peacefully on Sunday aged 77.

Jeff Bacon, his son, said: “People used to come up to me and tell me they supported dad. He seemed to be some sort of local footballing hero.

“He really was at the heart of the club and of the town.”

Tony Armstrong, ex-manager of Harwich and Parkeston Football Club, said: “Don was a stalwart of the Harwich team in the late 1950s.

“I remember watching him as a young lad, he was an exceptional midfielder.

“A very accomplished and experienced player.”

Mr Bacon, who was born in Harwich, met his wife Judy on his return from the Royal Air Force.

The couple married in 1959 and had two sons, Paul and Jeff, and five grandchildren.

As well as his prestigious footballing career, Mr Bacon worked around the country and in South Africa for the Norcross group, starting as an assistant machine operator.

He completed an honours degree in print before climbing to the rank of director, a position he held for the remainder of his career.

Terry Bacon, his brother said: “He was a real fulcrum of activity. One of those guys people wanted to be around.

“I had the misfortune of having to play football against Don.

“He was the captain of the probables when I was still struggling in the possibles.

“Don was an extremely dedicated man.”

Mr Bacon’s work took him to South Africa where he lived for many years, but he will be remembered locally for his football.

His funeral will be held at Weeley Crematorium at 10.15am on Friday, July 30.

Family flowers only or donations if desired to the Alzheimer’s Society on 01255 675549.

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