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in grateful remembrance.

Gary Haddon

Died
16 January 2017

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Gary Haddon - perhaps mostly known as "Steamer" - is remembered by many purely for his love of Aston Villa FC, and his ability to turn the conversation on the blogs that he frequented, and his humour. One AVL contributor remarked: "His humour was brilliant, he never minced his words and made everyone feel welcome".

Those of us at the Aston Villa Life blog will particularly remember him for his sharp wit and impossible predictions. We also were aware of the deep feeling he held for the football club that he had supported for so many years, home and away, first-team matches and reserve matches. His love of football and the Villa was unquestionable.

In the old days Gary was usually in the company of other 'steamers', whose stories have sometimes brought tears (of joy and despair!) to the eyes of fellow Villa supporters.

One of his companions on such 'Villa expeditions' expressed the following about Gary the person: "He was probably one of the nicest people I have met, and kindest. Gary would do anything for you: nothing would get in his way."

It has also been said that everyone has got a story about Gary and his wry sense of humour, and that he simply was a great person to be with.

The Aston Villa community has lost a great friend - of the Club and of individuals - but he will not be forgotten.

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Notes and messages

All 13 notes

Though I met Gary on less than a handful of occasions, he saw him as a man possessed of humanity and dry humour. He also expressed this in his messages on AVL and in personal e-mails we shared. I was shocked to hear of his passing and he will not be forgotten.

John Lerwill, 28 January 2017

Although I never met Gary "Steamer" Haddon, when I joined AVL several years ago, I felt I had made a great friend who was full of wit, knowledge of Villa, and so many other things. The banter, discussions on music, tales of the "steamers", and genuine conversations, made you feel that you had known him from the beginning. Then there were the tales of the caff, Curry goat, rice n'peas.

I shall very much miss his posts on AVL, and am so very sad, that I did not get to meet him, especially affter Jennie, Steamer 75's daughter confirmed what a great guy he was.

I wish to express my condolences to his family, fellow steamers, and the rest of our AVL family.

Gone to join the great Holte Enders in the Sky, but not forgotten.

Paul Pears, 28 January 2017

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