Over the Christmas period, we were very sad to learn of the passing of Vera Owen. She was a familiar face to many connected with Bangor 1876 and indeed who have followed football in Bangor over the last few decades.

Her passion for Bangor was known to many, and she followed our team home and away during our debut season. She played an important part on matchdays at Treborth by helping out with the teas, coffees and catering for players and officials, and is certain to be missed by a great many people. To quote our club secretary Dafydd Hughes:

"Vera will be remembered by anyone connected with football in Bangor over the last six decades as an ever-present, loyal, dedicated, and immensely likeable lady who made an enormous contribution behind the scenes."

Our club manager Mel Jones has paid tribute to “an unbelievable woman who was always interested in the players, the coaches and how everyone was doing”. He described her as “a supporter of the team through thick and thin who never had a bad word to say”. Mel remembers Vera’s presence at Farrar Road from his own playing days and has told that “she was there when I made my debut for Bangor and she was always delighted to see local players doing well”.

Les Davies has talked of having fond memories of how Vera would always enjoy away trips and be “always smiling and laughing”. Our recently returned striker has also said that he will really miss her presence on matchdays:

“What I will miss most is the smile I would get from Vera on matchdays as very often she’d be the first person I’d see as I loved her coffees before our games. It’s going to be sad turning up knowing she’s not going to be there to wish me well for the game and give me my pre-match coffee.”

Mel Jones has told us that Vera “loved to chat to players after the game and would always look after the away teams as well as the home team”. What she meant to our own players has been described by our captain Michael Johnston who has said that “tears have been shed for a lady who kept a smile on everyone’s face”.

Johno added that many of his past and present team mates raised a glass to Vera on Christmas Day, a gesture which he described as “showing the influence she had on all of our lives”. On a personal note, he added “I have shared the best footballing moments of my career with this fantastic lady and - no matter what – she has followed us home and away”.

On behalf of everyone connected with the club, our captain added that “we want to place on record that all our thoughts and prayers are with all Vera’s family and friends”. As a club, we echo those sentiments and would like to express our condolences in paying tribute to a loyal supporter who will be sorely missed by a great many people.

Rest in peace Vera.