It is with deep sadness that Barrow AFC have learned of the death of a devoted fan, Dave Tilburn, after a long illness.
Dave Tilburn first attended a match at Holker Street in 1959. From then on, Barrow AFC and its ups and downs were to be central to his life.
Dave was a great letter writer and, whether the person he was contacting was a football fan or not, they would learn the latest news of Barrow AFC in his letters. Whenever family and friends came to stay with Dave and it was the season, a trip to the football was on the cards. His nieces remember attending Holker Street between Christmas and New Year as an annual highlight.
At 16, Dave moved to Manchester to train as a hairdresser and he began attending matches at Old Trafford. He would continue to watch out for Manchester United throughout his life, but this interest never eclipsed his commitment to Barrow AFC. Dave’s first love was always Holker Street.
Dave returned to Barrow at 19 and founded the Furness Salon, lately on the Crellin and Rawlinson St corner. No matter how busy, on Saturday afternoons during the season Dave left the salon for home matches at Holker Street as well as many away trips, even as far as Dover.
Dave was delighted to be able to support Barrow AFC through his business, helping with fundraising activities through the salon and advertising regularly at Holker Street. Friendships formed at the Club stayed with him all his life.
In the last five years of his life Dave fought a long battle with cancer but continued to attend home and some away matches. Sadly, he wasn’t able to attend live matches at Holker Street after the Club returned to the Football League, but avidly attended through iFollow and was so proud of Barrow AFC’s achievements.
Determined to contribute to the improvement in disabled facilities at Holker Street, Dave has left a legacy that will contribute towards a fundraising event being organised to raise money for those improvements to the experience of our disabled fans.
After 62 years supporting Barrow AFC, the Club was central to Dave Tilburn’s life and his pride in the town.
Barrow AFC would like to extend our deepest condolences to Richard and Dave's family for their loss.