A Lasting Memorial Garden at East End Park

in association with Co-operative Funeralcare

DAFC and Co-operative Funeralcare have come together to create a lasting memorial garden at East End Park.

Co-operative Funeral Director, Kenny McLachlan, a lifelong Pars supporter himself, contacted the Club initially to suggest the installation of this special area. He had observed a discussion on a Fans Forum about Pars fans wanting to have their ashes scattered at the stadium and felt that a memorial garden placed in the right area would make a fitting tribute to those who had passed away.

Kenny Arnott, DAFC's Stadium Manager and Safety Officer commented "we were delighted when Kenny came to us with this suggestion of a lasting Memorial Garden at East End Park. The Co-operative's generous donation of the memorial stone to the garden acts as an appropriate marker for Pars fans who wish to stay close to their favourite football team even after death. At DAFC we will make sure to always treat this area with the utmost respect."

The garden is located in a quiet corner of the ground over-looking the home goal. The Memorial Stone depicts a football top with the DAFC logo on the front and is beautifully carved in locally sourced granite.

In August this year, the late Mr William Henderson of Dunfermline, a life-long Pars supporter and avid fan, had his ashes scattered in the Memorial Garden at East End Park. His wife, Mrs Glennis Henderson commented, "Billy was a great fan of DAFC and at every home game he sat behind the goals at the Norrie McCathie stand along with his pals Ian, Jimmy and nephew, Graeme. He used to run a fans club called the Park Gait Social Club and a number of players donated and presented cups at the club's close of year dances. He also knew Jim Leishman and Bert Paton very well from the Dora Golf Club in Cowdenbeath. It seems a very fitting way for my husband to stay close to his beloved football club, even after he has gone and this is very much what he would have wanted."

In addition to the Memorial Stone, Co-operative Funeralcare has agreed to donate the Dunfermline Athletic Memorial Garden Signage Plaque that marks this special area at East End Park.

The Club and Co-operative Funeralcare can also arrange Memorial plaques to be positioned on the surrounding wall of the garden allowing family members to erect a lasting dedication to their loved ones.

Kenny McLachlan added "As a Pars fan myself, I know how much East End Park means to people. So we're really pleased to be collaborating with DAFC on this memorial garden and we hope our donation of the Football Player Memorial stone and Garden Signage Plaque will help to mark this dignified corner of the stadium."

 Important Information regarding the Memorial Garden at East End Park:

In the event of East End Park having to move for any reason, this area would be carefully removed and replaced under the strictest conditions.

Ceremonies can be organised through DAFC - contact Kenny Arnott for more information at Kenny@dafc.co.uk  

Visits to the Memorial Garden can also be arranged through Kenny Arnott on a home match day between 9.30 and 12.00 and Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm.

The cost of a memorial plaque including lettering is £210.00.

DAFC provide Funeral Teas. More information can be found on the various options at www.eastendevents.co.uk