Hundreds join funeral salute to Swans hero
HUNDREDS of mourners have paid their final respects to a former Swans player who worked his way up from cleaning the boots of his footballing heroes.
David William Lawrence, better known as Dai, died suddenly at his home in Killay. He was aged 62.
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Dai Lawrence.
The son of former Swans captain Syd Lawrence, he grew up in Sketty and played for the Swans for two seasons, including the team's 1969/70 promotion campaign.
Friend and former teammate Vic Gomersall, who is now commercial manager at Llanelli FC, said he was deeply saddened by the death of the 62year-old.
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The two full-backs played together at Swansea City during the late 1960s before transferring to Chelmsford City in August 1971.
"I first met Dai when he joined Swansea City as a member of the ground staff," said Vic, aged 67.
"He started by cleaning the players' boots and worked his way up from there.
"He was a genuine fella, a bit of a comedian who never had a bad word to say about anyone and we became good friends.
Wedding
"He was a top mate and I was proud to be best man at his wedding to Pat."
Former Swans players including ex-Wales forward Len Allchurch were among the hundreds of mourners at the father-of-two and grandfather-of-four's fun- eral at St Hilary's Church in Killay on Tuesday.
"Dai got into football at school, although his grandmother didn't want him to pursue a career in the sport straight away and made sure he learned a trade," said Vic.
"When I decided to make the move to Chelmsford, Dai had been released from the Swans so I asked Chelmsford if they wanted another full-back."
The pair went on to help Chelmsford win the Southern League title in 1971/2 before Dai suffered an injury and moved back to Swansea to work as a carpenter.
He died of a suspected heart attack at his home in Killay on July 21.
"He had a good send-off, the church was full and his son Andrew spoke really nicely about him," added Vic.
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Comments
by AndrewJoseph, swansea
Friday, August 07 2009, 5:24AM
“i am very saddened by the news of Dai's passing and sorry that i was not able to attend the funeral, Having worked alongside Dai for several Years I have to say he was a gent and will be missed, Rest in peace Dai!”
by roy adams, dunvant
Thursday, August 06 2009, 12:13PM
“Dai was, what life is all about, a wonderful man friendly and a wonderful friend. I remember playing football alongside Dai when on Boxing Day games between the two rival puplic houses in Killay , our pup made up of oldees V the other pup who contained young students.Dai as captain was so enthusiastic that not only did he want to beat them he was also determined that they would not score against us.Sure enough they never did in the three years we played. R.I.P Dai if there were like you the world would be a much better place.”