Tributes to Hassocks football legend Fred, 76

One of the best-loved footballers in local leagues has died at the age of 76.
One of the best-loved footballers in local leagues has died at the age of 76.
Fred Weatherill, of Hassocks, passed away on April 14, at a care home in Petworth. He had been living with dementia for the past few years of his life.

Son Garys favourite picture of Fred and Fred playing five-a-side in his 70s SUS-200416-155820001One of the best-loved footballers in local leagues has died at the age of 76.
Fred Weatherill, of Hassocks, passed away on April 14, at a care home in Petworth. He had been living with dementia for the past few years of his life.

Son Garys favourite picture of Fred and Fred playing five-a-side in his 70s SUS-200416-155820001
One of the best-loved footballers in local leagues has died at the age of 76. Fred Weatherill, of Hassocks, passed away on April 14, at a care home in Petworth. He had been living with dementia for the past few years of his life. Son Garys favourite picture of Fred and Fred playing five-a-side in his 70s SUS-200416-155820001

Fred Weatherill, of Hassocks, passed away on April 14, at a care home in Petworth. He had been living with dementia for the past few years of his life.

A mechanic by trade, he was also renowned for his kindness and willingness to help others.

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His death led to many tributes to him on social media, praising both his devotion to football and his helpful character.

Fred, as he was known throughout his life, was born in Harrogate on June 8, 1943, and christened John Frederick Weatherill by his parents, who later moved to Brighton, where Fred was educated.

After studying engineering he eventually set up his own car repair and MOT business, often rescuing stranded drivers who rang him at odd hours in desperation.

He also put his practical skill to good use at football clubs he was associated with as a player, coach, or manager, which included Burgess Hill, Hassocks, Hurstpierpoint, Ringmer, Crowborough, Laser Athletic and Brighton pub side Roundhill.

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Fred had a trial for Brighton and Hove Albion, but had to concentrate on local football after suffering a serious pelvis injury in a car accident.

Apart from football, he liked cricket and played for Hove Sports cricket club. In his youth he won many trophies for running and boxing.

Fred leaves one son, Gary, and two grandchildren, Sam 29, and Olivia, 25. He is survived by two brothers, Winston and Paul. Because of current restrictions only a few of the family will be able to attend his cremation service, when a date is arranged.

His son Gary said: “When all this dreadful virus misery is ended we hope to arrange a suitable tribute. He died peacefully and I was able to talk to him in his last moments. He was fighting to the end.

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“It was typical of him that even when he was showing early signs of dementia and was clearly not at his best he would still try to help people out by doing MOTs and other work. That was my dad.”

Phil Dennett, of Burgess Hill, who runs an indoor football session for older players that Fred played in in his 70s, said: “After a lifetime devoted to local football Fred still showed the same enthusiasm playing with us. He was so popular that whenever he scored both sides, including opponents, would break out into applause. He had that effect on people.”