FAMILY and friends of a lifelong Bolton Wanderers fan have paid their respects and given him a fitting send off thanks to his beloved football team.

David Baxter, who was born in Tyldesley and lived in Atherton for 40 years, passed away on Thursday, May 13, after a five-year battle with prostate cancer.

David, who was 64, was known to many by his nickname Stan and went to all of Bolton’s games both at home and away having been a season ticket holder since 1964 when his father took him to his first match.

Respects have been paid to the lifelong Bolton Wanderers fan

Respects have been paid to the lifelong Bolton Wanderers fan

Nephew David Simpson said: “My uncle died safe in the knowledge that his beloved football team had just been promoted from League Two into League One.

“He was incredibly well-liked and is going to be missed by so many people.”

Stan’s funeral took place on Thursday, June 3 with friends and family paying tribute to the popular figure.

Respects have been paid to the lifelong Bolton Wanderers fan

Respects have been paid to the lifelong Bolton Wanderers fan

Stan’s sister Sharon said: “Stan’s coffin was draped in the Bolton Wanderers FC flag and we had funeral flowers created saying STAN and BWFC.

“Landlord Steve Morris of Stan’s local pub, The Atherton Arms, hung a banner outside, which was kindly created by members of staff at Harmony Homecare Donna Marie and Angela Coulthurst.

Respects have been paid to the lifelong Bolton Wanderers fan

Respects have been paid to the lifelong Bolton Wanderers fan

“Steve said Stan would have been the first customer through the doors after lockdown restrictions were lifted on May 16.

“He was often heard singing karaoke on a Saturday night and flailing his crutches around in the air, swearing Holt’s ales were medicinal.”

Stan was also a regular at The Mort Arms in Tyldesley and a popular member of their Monday night darts and dominoes teams.

Respects have been paid to the lifelong Bolton Wanderers fan

Respects have been paid to the lifelong Bolton Wanderers fan

His teammates sported t-shirts with Stan’s face on the front, as the funeral procession passed the pub.

The only gift Stan asked for on his last birthday in March was a pint glass decorated with ‘Stan’s beer’ and ‘Bolton Till I Die’.

Sharon added: “Oh my goodness - what a send off!

“My brother would be so humbled as everyone did him proud.”