Tributes to man who went out of his way to keep local area clean and regular Star letter writer Geoff Evans
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Fans of Football Heaven were quick to leave tributes on Facebook following a tribute on air
Tributes have been paid to a much-loved family man who went out of his way to improve his local area.
Geoff Evans, a regular writer to The Star’s letters pages and caller on BBC Radio Sheffield’s football phone in Football Heaven, passed away peacefully at the age of 74 on September 1 at The Royal Hospital, Chesterfield.
He became a well-known face around his local areas of Stanfree and Clowne for his litter picking efforts and for reporting issues to the local council to help keep the area clean and tidy.
Geoff began is apprenticeship at Kents near Worksop as a steam gauge engineer, before setting up his own company AMAR and working at sites including Trebor Bassett and Templeborough Rolling Mills.
The family said in a statement: “Growing up with Dad meant endless adventures. He made rope swings in Sherwood Forest, taught us how to build fabulous igloos, and even created a roundabout‑style see‑saw for us out of an old washing machine drum.
“He built a den for us on top of the shed with running water, took us BMX racing, and took us to football matches all over the country.
“Dad made birthdays magical. He woke us up with “Happy Birthday” by Altered Images blaring out, and hosted brilliant parties at home or in the Whitwell Methodist Church hall, filled with Black Lace songs like Superman and Agadoo.”
Fans of Football Heaven were quick to leave tributes on Facebook following a tribute on air.
One tribute described Geoff as “a lovely fella” while another said he was a “great gentleman of the village”. Others said they would miss his contributions to the show.
Geoff, who had a love of animals (particularly those in need of help) had five children with wife Annette; Lisa, Mark, Yvonne-Marie, Sophie and Dawn and four grandchildren, Jake, Arnie, Lily and Amelia as well as nieces and nephews.
The family are raising money for a memorial bench in memory of Geoff, with a litter bin placed next to it to encourage the local community to Stanfree and Clowne tidy in his memory. You can donate HERE.
Geoff’s funeral will take place on Monday, October 5 at Clowne Methodist Church at 11,30am. Following the service and a family-only committal, everyone is invited to a wake at Old School Tap House, Clowne.
The colours orange, white and blue are encouraged by the family to celebrate Geoff’s love of Luton Town FC, Chesterfield Town FC and Worksop Town FC .
More memories of Geoff can be read and shared on his memorial page HERE.