The memory and life of ex-Everton striker Kevin Campbell was celebrated in a special memorial service at St Luke’s Church today.
Together with members of Kevin’s family and Toffees supporters, the service was attended by Everton’s interim CEO, Colin Chong as well as coaches Ian Woan and Steve Stone, and ambassadors Graham Stuart and Ian Snodin.
Ex-players like 1980s great Peter Reid, Gareth Farrelly, David Unsworth, Alan Irvine, Andy Holden, Francis Jeffers, Peter Clarke and Nick Chadwick also came to pay their respects and honour the Club’s first black captain.
Stuart was one of a number who spoke to pay tribute to a man universally regarded as one of the game’s top personalities and best people.
“He was one of those infectious people,” Stuart said. “He lit up a room. It’s an old adage, I know, but it’s absolutely true about Kevin. You knew when he was in the room and I know he absolutely loved coming back to Goodison Park.
“I’m as jealous as anybody possibly could be that he scored a winner [in the Merseyside derby] and I haven’t. I would have loved to have done what Kevin did. For Kevin to have scored the winner, he’ll forever be in Everton folklore – quite rightly.
“A wonderful man, a wonderful player and it’s speaks volumes – the amount of people who turned up for his funeral; the people who’ve turned up today. It tells everybody what we know about Kevin Campbell. What a fantastic guy he was.”
Kevin died aged only 54 earlier this year following a period of illness. He will be fondly remembered and never forgotten.