Philip Hopcroft in Memoriam

The club were saddened to hear of the passing of life long supporter Philip Hopcroft.

Following a long battle with ill health, Phil died peacefully at Victoria Hospital on Thursday April 1st with his wife Shirley and his two sons Greig and Blair by his side. He was 62 years old.

Phil supported the Rovers his whole life and brought his two sons to Stark’s Park from a young age. He grew up in the Links and his family owned the Novar Bar, where Phil worked in his younger years, so supporting the Rovers was inevitable. He was an early member of the Neeburs o Geordie Munro before joining the Jim McMillan Club around 10 years ago.

He was especially proud to have attended both of the Rovers’ cup wins and years later he found this photo showing him front and centre, with scarf aloft, along with Greig and Blair in the celebrations following Rovers opening goal back in 94.

Despite being in hospital, Phil watched the recent Fife Derby win and was delighted with the performance, the result and in particular to see Lewis Vaughan back on the score sheet.

The family want to thank the amazing staff at Ward 34, Victoria Hospital, for the care they gave Phil and his family over the last few years and in particular in his last few weeks.

The funeral will held on Friday 16th April at 12.45pm at Kirkcaldy Crematorium and will be private due to current restriction. The funeral cars will leave the family home at 12.15pm before passing the Novar Bar at 12.25pm, heading along Links Street and then passing Stark’s Park at 12.30pm. Anyone wishing to pay their respects can do so but should adhere to social distancing guidelines and should be in place in plenty of time. Family flowers only, however contributions, if desired, can be made to Ward 34 in Phil’s name here.

On behalf of everyone (Board of directors, players, staff and his many friends) at Stark’s Park we send our deepest condolences to Shirley, Greig, Blair and the family at this sad time. Phil will be sorely missed.

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