FRIENDS and family have been left shocked and saddened by the death of a dad-of-four, aged 49.
Douglas Raith, known as Dougie, of Talbot Street, Rishton, died suddenly on Tuesday, October 28 after succumbing to septicaemia.
The Blackburn Rovers fanatic, described as ‘everyone’s best friend’, was suffering with scarring of the liver, but had seemed to be in good health.
Dougie, a shopfitter and plasterer, was taken ill just hours after watching a football match on Saturday, October 25.
Dougie’s daughter Leanne Beaumont, 25, of Clough Street, Rishton, said her dad’s sudden death had been a shock.
She said: “He went to watch Preston on the weekend and he was okay. When he was taken to hospital 24 hours later, everyone was in shock.We’re all devastated.”
Leanne said that her family is taking solace from the ‘good memories’ with Dougie.
She said: “He was very young at heart, he never saw himself becoming an old man. He liked going out and socialising and he was always up for a laugh. I remember how he used to get in to dance offs.
“I think he was a Peter Pan character really, he never wanted to grow up. Everyone knows him around town, he was a real legend.”
More than 100 people are expected to attend a party at Ewood Park following his funeral on Friday, November 7.
Leanne said: “Dad would have wanted us to have a big party. There’s going to be two coach loads going up to Ewood Park and we’re expecting more than 100 people.”
Childhood friend Sean Magee, 48, of Rishton, said Dougie was ‘everyone’s best mate’.
He said: “It has been a very sad week, Dougie was a great guy and he was known all over.”
A special son to Maureen and the late Joe, Dougie leaves partner Michelle, son Michael, daughters Leanne, Demi and Faye and grandchildren Oliver, Olivia, Aubree and Sophia.
His funeral service will be held at St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Rishton at 1.45pm on Friday, November 7 followed by committal at Pleasington Crematorium at 3pm.
