Colin Attenborough passed away on Monday “surrounded by his family” after receiving a pancreatic cancer diagnosis shortly before Christmas.
According to close friends and family, Mr. Attenborough, 87, knew that Derby had been promoted back to the Championship on Saturday.
Mr. Attenborough had expressed before his passing that he would “love it” if he could “hang on” to see the promotion.
Derby County manager Paul Warne declared in a video message in February that his team would strive for promotion and would do so for the lifetime supporter.
Additionally, Mr. Attenborough served as chairman of Derby’s Sinfin Moor Park nature reserve for 15 years, and a recently constructed pavilion bears his honor.
His family released the following statement: “We are devastated by the loss of our cherished father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
We are in awe of how well-known and adored he is by all. We appreciate everyone’s support and good remarks during this difficult time.
Mr. Attenborough expressed his desire to have a Derby County scarf hung on his coffin prior to passing away.
“I want my cordless drill, in case any jobs need doing, because I love my do-it-yourself, and I want a pack of playing cards,” he continued, discussing his funeral arrangements.