Huge crowds pay tribute to much-loved Dergview FC president Harold Baxter

A MAN whose life was defined by his love of family, football, farming, faith and community was remembered with great affection as huge crowds gathered in Castlederg on Friday for the Service of Thanksgiving for David (Harold) Baxter.

The service, held in Second Castlederg Presbyterian Church, was conducted by Rev Charles Clements, who delivered a heartfelt tribute to a man whose friendship, generosity and enthusiasm touched countless lives across the local community and far beyond.

Harold, who passed away peacefully at the Royal Victoria Hospital on Tuesday, November 3, aged 79, was the much-loved president of Dergview FC and a familiar and hugely respected figure throughout the Castlederg area.

A particularly poignant moment came as members of his beloved Dergview Football Club and the former Barrowfield FC formed a guard of honour, paying their respects to a man who had given so much of his time, energy and commitment to the club over many decades.

Opening his tribute, Rev Clements said the extraordinary volume of tributes posted on social media since news of Harold's passing was announced was a testament to his popularity and the value people placed on his friendship, encouragement and the joy he brought into their lives.

Born on January 18, 1947, Harold grew up in Castlederg after his parents moved from Alt in County Donegal, attending Edwards Primary School, Castlederg High School and Strabane Technical College.

His working life began in the local shirt factory, where he spent six years, before becoming a salesman with Braid Soft Drinks.

His natural gift for conversation, business acumen and ability to connect with people made him a familiar and popular figure.

However, his lifelong ambition was always to become a farmer. From childhood he loved helping his father with the pigs and cattle, and even found ways of making money from his own little ventures, including charging friends a penny or two to use a swing made from an old tyre.

He eventually achieved his ambition, developing his farms at Gortnamuck and Freughlough Road, where he lived from 1993.

Even in recent years, he remained actively involved in his farming projects and was still working around the farm just three weeks before his accident.

Rev Clements also spoke warmly of Harold's lifelong passion for football, which brought him and his wife Kathleen together at a football dance in Raphoe.

A talented player in his younger days, Harold represented Derry City and Coleraine, earning a reputation for his uncompromising tackling.

When Dergview FC was established in 1980, he quickly became involved with the committee and devoted himself to supporting the club.

Whether collecting admission money at the gate, fundraising or helping secure facilities, he was always ready to lend a hand.

Since 2008, he had played a significant role in fundraising for the club's new stand and changing rooms and the ongoing maintenance of the pitch.

His commitment was such that even while being attended to by emergency services following his accident, he was reportedly still promoting Dergview's 100 Club to one of the firefighters.

For Harold, football was about much more than results. He simply loved watching a good game, whoever was playing, and his enthusiasm remained undiminished throughout his life.

He also delighted in passing on his footballing skills to his grandchildren, Leah and Jack, including the famous tackles which had once made him such a formidable opponent.

Above all, however, Harold's greatest pride was his family.

Rev Clements spoke of a devoted husband to Kathleen, whom he married on August 4, 1979, and a loving father to Louise, Audrey and William. He was also a cherished grandfather to Leah and Jack.

Described as generous and always willing to help, Harold was affectionately known as the 'bank of dad and granda', with his door and heart always open to those he loved.

He brought laughter into family life through his sense of fun and practical jokes.

Rev Clements recalled how, when his daughters were still at school, Harold once woke them at 10pm, telling them it was time to get up for school. They believed him!

Harold and Kathleen had worked together to create a home filled with love, laughter, kindness and warm hospitality.

His Christian faith was another central part of his life. Having grown up in Second Castlederg Presbyterian Church, he remained closely connected to the congregation, becoming an elder in 1988.

He also devoted considerable time to youth work, leading the church youth club and helping with youth clubs at Castlederg High School and Kilclean.

Although he later stepped down as an elder, he remained a faithful worshipper and continued to support the life and work of the congregation.

Music and singing brought Harold particular enjoyment, and many of the hymns chosen for Friday's service were among his favourites.

When he was seriously ill in hospital on Monday evening, his family played some of those much-loved hymns for him.

Rev Clements said music had often calmed Harold when he was anxious or stressed, while his faith had given him hope and taken away his fear of dying.

He also paid tribute to Harold's remarkable generosity of spirit and his instinct to look out for others, whether through a telephone call, a visit or taking someone out for a drive.

In good times and difficult times, Harold was often the first to reach out to someone in need, always prepared to go the extra mile for family, friends and the wider community.

His passing leaves an enormous void, but the affection shown by the crowds who gathered to remember him, together with the many tributes shared since his death, spoke volumes about the difference he made to so many lives.

The family expressed their sincere thanks to all the emergency services who came to Harold's assistance following his accident, as well as the staff at Altnagelvin Hospital's Emergency Department and the intensive care team at the Royal Victoria Hospital for the excellent care he received.

Harold is survived by his devoted wife Kathleen, daughters Louise (Craig) and Audrey (Ian), son William, grandchildren Leah and Jack, brothers Derek, Stan and Ken, and the wider family circle.

He was predeceased by his sister, Audrey.

His life was celebrated with gratitude, affection and a profound sense of loss by a community which will remember him not simply for what he did, but for the man he was.