Today we say goodbye to another Crusaders stalwart as Alan Gracey is led to rest. Alan was another character who was seen at matches throughout the country as he followed his beloved Crusaders everywhere from Seaview to Drumahoe to Newry and Ballinamallard. He was often the life and soul on supporters buses but is was his love of the Club that always shone through.
Indeed Alan,along with his wife Eileen, where the caterers in the old Social Club at Seaview for many years and they fed thousands in that time and the friendly manner, the banter and the heartfelt wave made him a popular man on the Shore Road. Until illness sadly took over Alans life he was still attending as many games as possible and he will be sadly missed due to his passing.
Chairman Ronnie Millar wishes to send the condolences of the club. “To Eileen, the Gracey and MacKenzie family circles also, can I on behalf of everyone at Crusaders offer deepest sympathies and love to you all at this difficult time as you say your final goodbyes to Alan on Thursday. He was indeed another loyal Crusaders supporter who wore his red and black colours as proud as he could and he will be missed by the Crusaders family and especially those that knew him well. Alan was a great man who served the Club well and he will always be a name not far from many peoples lips.” Ronnie added “ Can I ask that that we all remember Eileen and the entire family today and we keep them all in our thoughts and prayers in the the coming weeks as they go through this sad time.”
At Rest Alan