More than a hundred people have gathered to pay their respects to a Lowestoft Town supporter who was a familiar sight and sound around non-league grounds.
The funeral and memorial service was held this afternoon for Dave Ainslie, who died aged 61 from prostate cancer on January 15.
Mr Ainslie acquired the nickname Dave The Drummer as he used to take a drum to the Trawler Boys homes game at Crown Meadow and to away games.
After the father of four's funeral at Gorleston crematorium a service of thanksgiving was held at St Mark's Church at Oulton Broad, in which some mourners wore blue and white Lowestoft Town shirts and scarves.
As well as hearing how Mr Ainslie loved football, the service saw three of his sons, Richard, Darryl and Bim, pay emotional tributes to a loving and dedicated father.
Richard said: 'He was the best man and he shall ever be. Dad was obsessed with football. Dad did not just love football, it was literally every sport.'
Bim said: 'I am totally devastated that you are not here with us because you were always there for us when we needed you. I am so proud to be your son.'
Mr Ainslie also supported Wrexham Football Club as he was born in Wrexham and he also cheered on Tottenham Hotspur.
Darryl said one of father's favourite footballing moments was when Lowestoft Town played Wrexham in the first round of the FA Cup in 2009 in which the Trawlers lost 1-0 in Wales.
He added: 'Thank you for being a great man.'
As a further tribute to how their Bim and Richard sang Life Could Be a Dream with their vocal group the TestostaTones.
In May 2008 Mr Ainslie was famously barred from taking his drum into the FA Vase final at Wembley when Lowestoft Town played Kirkham and Wesham.
He also liked darts and played for England at hockey at U-21 level.
He served in the Royal Welsh Fusilier in Northern Ireland and after meeting his wife Jacqui he moved to Lowestoft in 1974.
Mr Ainslie worked at the Co-op canning factory and the Bird's Eye factory in quality assurance and was involved in the trades union movement.
Before he died Mr Ainslie asked that people should give donations to the Sick's Children's Trust at his funeral as the charity had helped his grandson Alfie.
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