Hamilton Wanderers members are mourning the loss of Dave Elgie, a former player and club leader credited with much of the progress made by the club.
Elgie has died in Whitianga, aged 63.
In a tribute to Elgie’s contribution to the Wanderers club, chairman Dave Douglas said he was “a driving force behind so much of what makes our club the club it is today.”
Elgie had been a first-team player who then took on leadership roles including a two-year term as club president (2001-2003) and a stint as club chairman. He was made a Life Member in 2006.
“Dave was a passionate Wanderers club member from his days on the pitch and then into the roles he carried out for the club off the pitch.
“His support and love for everything Wanderers will be sorely missed and for all of his efforts over his long time at the club, we thank him so very much for all that he did over the years.”
Though he had moved to Whitianga, Elgie would regularly travel to support Wanderers in their Northern League and National League fixtures.
“it will be strange not to see him on the deck with our club members sharing stories from the past which was always met with roars of laughter,” Douglas said.
‘You may be gone, Dave, but you will remain in the Blue Army forever’
The club has been honouring the memory of Elgie in various ways, including acknowledgement by members of the women’s team who played in the Kate Sheppard Cup final on March 27.
For the April 9 match against Eastern Suburbs in the Northern League, Wanderers players honoured Elgie — and won the game 2-1.
The club has also hosted a clubrooms gathering for Elgie’s friends to share their memories and to acknowledge together the impact he had on their club.
Extending the club’s sympathy to Elgie’s family and friends, Dave Douglas said:
“Rest In Peace, Dave, you may be gone but you will remain in the Blue Army forever.”
Dave Elgie (December 19, 1958 — March 25, 2022)
Death notice from the Waikato Times:
ELGIE, Dave: Passed away suddenly in Whitianga on 25 March 2022. Dearly loved partner of Chris. Loved & respected father of Grace, James & his partner Eli. Little brother of Arthur & wife Val. Cherished Uncle to his nieces, nephew and extended family. You’ll never know how much you’ll be missed and will remain in our hearts forever. Private family service followed by a celebration of Dave’s life at Hamilton Wanderers Club Rooms, Porritt Stadium. Kick-off Friday 1 April 2022 at 3.00pm. All communications to the Elgie family, c/- James R Hill Funeral Directors, 717 Grey Street, Hamilton 3216. FDANZ.
Obituaries
Through the publication of obituaries, Friends of Football tries to recognise the loss of those who have significantly contributed to our game.
