The club is very sad to announce the passing of Gerald Darby, a key figure in our history.
Over many years, Gerald held a number of important positions with the club following his first involvement with the club in the 1970s. He was club chairman on three separate occasions; 1985-1993, 1994-95 (co-chairman) and 2021-22. He helped steer the club through some rocky periods in its history. In between his role as chairman he fulfilled the role as Vice-Chairman and as a board director for long periods. He was Club President from 1993 to 1999. In addition his company were shirt sponsors during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Gerald was a key figure at the club for such a long period, he showed such dedication through thick and thin, and no matter what was going on, he was always such a kind, courteous and generous man, always thinking of others before himself.
Gerald’s immense contribution to the club over the years was recognised when he became the first non-player on our Hall of Fame in 2024.
We will all miss Gerald and would like to send our heartfelt condolences to his wife and family at this sad time.
Details of a celebration of Gerald’s life will be announced in due course.
9 responses
I‘m so sorry. He really was a lovely man. He was the only Director left and steered the ship untiringly during Covid.
Only got to know Gerald these last few years but his involvement in the club speaks volumes about the man who in his many roles within the club made a difference. Things he did for the club rightly or wrongly, he always had the cub well-being at heart.
His presence at the club will sorely be missed, Sleep well my friend
I am heartfelt sorry at Gerald’s passing. He helped me so much when I was secretary of the first under 18’s team playing in the Southern Youth League and later the Isthmian league. Through the numerous challenges of the F A Youth Cup forms and “expenses”. Although we were affiliated with the club they were going through their own trials and tribulations 2001/02, and we were self funded he was always at the end of the phone and an ear I could bend, and was happy to help and guide. I am sure the club will mark his passing in a honourable way. RIP Gerald
What a great guy he was, he’ll be sorely missed. Terrible news.
Such sad news.
My brother new him better than I did. Bumped into Gerald last time in the UK when I came to a game in February last year. Had a quick chat as he was, and always was busy with club matters. That’s the sort of guy he was. A Tanner to the core and will be sadly missed.
Thoughts and prayer to all his family, friends and the club.
Hearing of Gerald’s passing has filled me with immense sadness. I have known Gerald for decades and know how much time, effort and support he has dedicated to Leatherhead FC. He will leave a great void which will be difficult to fill. RIP Gerald. You will be greatly missed.
Such sad news.
I got to know Gerald in the early 2000’s when the club were first looking to bring in Junior teams and I had many meetings with him and the equally missed Tim Edward’s, the Chairman at that time, to discuss the viability of this development.
Gerald did so much for the club over many, many years. He will leave a huge void and indeed he will always be a true club legend.
Thoughts are with Gerald’s family at this incredibly sad time.
Our sincere condolences and deepest sympathy from the Keogh household ❤️
Gerald was a wonderful man: Mr Leatherhead as far as I was concerned, but it was his approach to life as Gerald the man and his determination to do it right that made him such a wonderful person. I am proud to say I drank wine at Geralds’s home. Needless to say we didn’t always see eye to eye on Leatherhead FC matters, but everything he did was for the benefit of the club, where he gave his time selflessly. His motto at the club was always Leatherhead first self second. He helped a lot of people at this club and hopefully a tangible remembrance can be anacted