Club 18/03/2021
John Ness in Memoriam
Raith Rovers FC are sad to announce the recent passing of life long supporter John Ness. John was a well known and much respected fan and a friend to many at Stark’s Park.
John died peacefully at home surrounded by wife Barbara and his loving family. He was 83 years of age.
John’s life as a supporter started at a very early age. He first attended with his father at the tender age of five. His dad would take him to the matches home and away with the Post Office supporters group.
As a boy he sold programmes and later became a founding member of the 200 Club. An association he kept his whole life – it was only fitting that he was invited to cut the ribbon to reopen the 200 Club on it’s relocation to the Penman Family Stand.
He would tell great stories about the great players he had seen; Willie McNaught and Andy Leigh were two of his favourites. He was at the 1948-49 League Cup Final, but sadly Raith were beaten 2-0 by Rangers.
His proudest moment was when Raith Rovers defeated Celtic in 1994 to win the Coca Cola Cup. He then travelled to Bavaria for the historic match against Bayern Munich.
A number of years ago, John suffered a number of heart attacks. His wife, Barbara, started to travel to away matches with him, to look after him and would go shopping whilst John was at the game. She then started attending the matches and before long they both had season tickets for the Main Stand.
John and Barbara’s passion for Raith Rovers has been passed onto their children and in turn their grandchildren who are all committed Rovers fans.
John supported Raith Rovers for 78 years which is a fantastic achievement.
On behalf of everyone (Board of directors, players, staff and his many friends) at Stark’s Park we send our deepest condolences to Barbara and the family at this sad time. John will be sorely missed.