Tributes have been paid to ex Boreham Wood FC player Steve Dawes who died suddenly last weekend.

The former striker, who recently became a grandfather for the first time, was found dead in his bedroom at his home in Torquay last Saturday morning at the age of 61.


His wife, Sue Dawes, was visiting their eldest daughter Kate in London when she found out the news.


Speaking from her home in Torquay, the 61-year-old said: “I am just devastated and I will miss him terribly. The whole family will.


“He was an amazing man, so compassionate and very generous. He could talk for England too.


“He was a very doting father to our daughters, Sarah, 31, and Kate, 33. They were very much daddy’s little girls.”


Preliminary reports suggest that Mr Dawes, who was born and bred in Borehamwood, died of undetected coronary heart disease.


Mrs Dawes added that her greatest regret was that Steve would not be able to play football with his much longed for grandson, ten-month-old Henry.


The father-of-two played for Boreham Wood FC from 1970 to 1976 and his wife described him as “football mad.”


Just hours after the pair were married at Barnet Register Office 40-years-ago, the devoted family man went to play a football match for Boreham Wood FC.


And when Mrs Dawes went into labour with their eldest daughter Kate four years later, he insisted he would have enough time for a quick game before she arrived.


She now enjoys reminiscing about the fond memories they shared together.

She added: “He used to be known as the Frank Spencer of DIY – he was such a clumsy one.


“He smashed his head when trying to cut a hedge, nearly electrocuted himself and almost set himself on fire once too. It made us laugh.


“He also used to go up to the care home where my father was and spent a lot of time speaking to the residents, they loved it.”


Mr Dawes, who was made redundant from his job as a photographic printer in 1994, wooed his wife after a football game in The Cannon pub, Thirsk Road.


The happy couple raised their children in Anthony Road, Borehamwood, before moving to Torquay in 1992.


Mr Dawes also leaves his father, Jim, 88, and siblings Martin, Richard, Gary and Beverley.


A service will be held at Torquay Crematorium next Wednesday and his ashes will be interred at Allum Lane Cemetery.
 

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