MORE than 400 people turned out yesterday to celebrate the life of the grand old man of New Zealand football, Charlie Dempsey, CBE.
The former ship builder was born in Scotland in 1921, moved to New Zealand in 1952 and died on June 25 at Auckland Hospital.
Many well-known names came to farewell Charlie, including members of the famous 1982 All Whites side, the first and only New Zealand team to qualify for a football world cup.
As the boss of the NZ Football Association, Mr Dempsey was a key figure in the successful qualification campaign in 1981-82, being the efficient and tireless director of off-field organisation.
Also paying their respects were former NZ soccer internationals Adrian Elrick, Sam Malcolmson, Fred de Jong and the 1982 captain Steve Sumner, as well as representatives from soccer clubs across Auckland, including his home side Eastern Suburbs.
Many from Auckland and Manukau’s golfing community turned out, especially from his home Remuera club, which provided an honour guard. Charlie’s golf bag and clubs sat shining at the entrance of St Columba as his casket was carried into the church, draped in the flags of Scotland and Ireland and led by a kilted bagpiper.
An indication of where Charlie got to in life was clearly illustrated by a continuous photo display in the church as the funeral ceremony proceeded.
It included pictures of him with global notables such as Pope John Paul II, FIFA world football boss Sepp Blatter and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Later, funeral attendees toasted Charlie by having a glass of his favourite drop, Guiness. He was also buried with a bottle of the Irish beer.
• Charlie Dempsey’s obituary
