Tributes to Town’s ‘best-dressed fan’
TRIBUTES have been paid to a lifelong Huddersfield Town fan who was known for his smart appearance and good humour.
Father-of-three Roger Whitwam, who has died age 75, was a former policeman who was born in Golcar, Huddersfield, and retired to live in
Bedale, North Yorkshire. Mr Whitwam, a devoted husband to Diane, passed away peacefully on August 30. Friends and family called him a true gentleman who loved Huddersfield Town and his family.
Cousin Carole Shaw called him ‘probably the best-dresssed Town fan’ as he was rarely seen without his trademark suit and tie.
At one away game, he was delighted to be spotted in the stands wearing a leather mac and was suddenly on the receiving end of a chant of ‘Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen’ by Sunderland fans.
Daughter Marina said her dad attended Knowle Bank School and Colne Valley High School. He left school at around 16 to work in a mill then became a police cadet. By 19, he was a full-time police officer, working the beat in Hoyland and Birdwell in South Yorkshire and later in Shipley, near Bradford, and Harrogate, eventually becoming a sergeant. He retired in 1989 and opened a successful catering business.
Marina said: “He was a loving dad to three children, Nicholas, Marina, and Ross, and grandad to Lewis, Ava, Archie and Oliver. Having a son with Down’s Syndrome he and his wife joined the Mencap committee, working tirelessly for the cause, going on to become chairman.”
Roger was a regular at Leeds Road from age 11. Marina said: “He was always the height of sartorial elegance – three-piece suit, watch chain and of course his Huddersfield Town tie. Everyone used to comment that he was better dressed than the chairman!”
Son Ross added: “Huddersfield Town was his world. He loved getting overdressed and heading over to watch them.”