Great Agony: Kieran McKenna Ipswich die hard real fans has officially been urged for full support next week for a great silence moment” for Ipswich late floodlight man” The 82-year-old held season tickets for many years and was formerly employed by the team” here is the full words from the family…
The family of an electrician who used to shinny up the floodlights of Portman Road hope his fellow Blues fans will join in during a moment of remembrance next week.
On October 19, during Ipswich Town’s game against Everton, there will be a moment of silence and applause in honor of former employee and supporter Charlie Cocker.
The 82-year-old held season tickets for many years and was formerly employed by the team. He was the club’s electrician and could frequently be seen sprucing up floodlights. In his later years, he also served as the academy students’ upbeat coach driver.
Ipswich Town said they were saddened to hear of Mr Cocker’s passing, following his many years of loyal service.
He was, said his granddaughter, Ellie Evans, one of life’s good guys.
A dedicated Town supporter, he never missed a game, cheering on the Blues even during the cold winter months and in his later years when his health had declined.
Charlie was born on October 17, 1941, meaning that Thursday would have been his 83rd birthday.
An Ipswich boy through and through, Charlie grew up in Bramford. After leaving school, he began an apprenticeship at Ransomes, learning to become an electrician.
After meeting his partner, Jenny Evans, Charlie moved to Gainsborough. He and Jenny were together for 35 years, and together they built a vast, blended family, with Charlie’s children, Jem and Martin, and Jenny’s sons, Martin and Richard.
Charlie had 11 grandchildren, and was a beloved great-grandad of two.
From the 1990s until 2011, Charlie worked as an electrician for Ipswich Town, maintaining the stadium and having the task of changing the bulbs in the arena’s floodlights.
After retiring from being an electrician, Charlie wasn’t ready to leave Town just yet. For a number of years, he became an academy driver for the youngsters training with Town, taking them to appointments or perhaps to the airport if they were required to travel.
Charlie was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2019. He had been in remission but was informed that the cancer had returned in June of this year.
Charlie died on September 21, aged 82.
During next Saturday’s match, a round of applause at the 82nd minute in honour of Charlie.
