It is with heavy heart this afternoon I post this blog to announce that Denis Anderson has lost his battle with cancer and has unfortunately passed away.
Big D (what he was known as around the club) has been a volunteer at the club since the 1970s & has our dressing sheds at BankWest Stadium named after him.
Condolensces to Big Ds family & friends.
Terribly sad news and may he Rest In Peace.
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Club statement:
It is with a heavy heart that the Parramatta Eels Club announces the passing of Life Member and Club legend, Denis “Big D” Anderson, at the age of 71. Denis had been battling cancer for the last 12 months and, unfortunately, passed away this afternoon, Wednesday 22 May, with his family by his side.
Denis started working with the club over 44 years ago and was involved at every level of the Eels footballing programs from the Junior Representative teams all the way through to our NRL team.
Denis was named Clubman of the Year in 2013 and was made a Life Member of the Parramatta Eels in 2017. This year the Club created the ‘Denis Anderson Junior Club Person of the Year’ Award that will be awarded to the person that most embodies the spirit of the Blue and Gold within our Junior Representative Program.
Denis had been the long-time doorman for Parramatta Eels home games, yelling out his infamous call to arms as players made their way out of the dressing rooms “Parra’s in the tunnel!”
Fittingly on Easter Monday, the Eels dressing rooms at Bankwest Stadium were officially named the ‘Denis Anderson Rooms’ ensuring that Denis’ presence on Game Day remains for evermore at our new home.
On behalf of the Parramatta Eels we extend our deepest condolences to Denis’ family and friends.
The contribution Denis has made to the Parramatta Eels is immeasurable and the Club will honour his legacy at both the Panthers game tomorrow night and the Rabbitohs game next Friday.
Denis Anderson
Replies
Condolences to Big D's family and freinds
Rest in piece what an absolute legend the heart and soul of the club!
How fitting that Big D has part of the new ground named in his honour.
RIP legend. Blue & Gold forever.
RIP champ!
.Condolences to all the Anderson family and Friends.Would anybody know if Denis originally came from Toongabbie?
Rest In Peace big D
RIP to Big D and condolences to all his family and friends
RIP Champ
Sounds like a top bloke. RIP Big D
Never met him but all reports had him as a top bloke and ardent eels supporter and always there for them, black arm bands tomorrow night, and hope the players put in for a true supporter of the club.
DA, you will be missed, condolences to your family and freinds.
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