Town Fan Among Earthquake Dead
Monday, 7th Mar 2011 17:40

Town fan Phil Coppeard has been confirmed as among those who died during the Christchurch earthquake. Phil, 41, had only recently emigrated to New Zealand with his wife Suzanne Craig.

Originally from Newmarket, Phil had been missing since leaving to travel to Canterbury University where he had just started studying for a Master's in economics and was in the centre of Christchurch at the time of the quake.

In a statement, the family said: "He was a very generous spirit, always keen to be involved in the community and charity events. His death is a tragedy at the start of an exciting new life in New Zealand.

"We take comfort in the support we've had from family and friends throughout the world - he touched so many lives."

Jon Craig, the Supporters’ Club’s overseas branch co-ordinator, was a friend of Phil’s and told TWTD last week: “Phil was one of our regular gang and had a ten-year season ticket when the debentures were being sold in 2003.

“He moved from London to work in Dubai around five years ago and donated his season ticket - completely free of charge - to the North of England Branch.

“We sold the season ticket at a discount to our members and the sums raised from its sale were a major contributor towards funds used to sponsor Jordan Rhodes and thereafter Ronan Murray.

“Phil posted on TWTD many times, mainly around the period 1999 to 2006 under the name Cambridge8.”

Prior to moving to New Zealand for a career break, Phil worked as a chartered accountant at KPMG and then in aviation finance for Babcock Brown in London and Dubai for around 10 years.

Town are auctioning a shirt worn by Tommy Smith and signed by his team-mates to raise money for the Red Cross's New Zealand Earthquake Appeal.

Photo: Action Images

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BrightBlue added 19:15 - Mar 7 RIP Phil. My condolences go out to your family and friends.
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marcusevans added 19:16 - Mar 7 R.I.P. Phil. Lovely picture of him ahead of the article.
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BluePG added 19:35 - Mar 7 Requiescat in pace. As many others have said, such a terrible event puts so many trivial things in perspective.
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John_Warks_Willy added 20:01 - Mar 7 RIP. Thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
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StochesStotasBlewe added 20:49 - Mar 7 A minutes silence please ITFC.
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Lamby95 added 20:54 - Mar 7 Would it be possible to turn around if we score like man city do out of respect?
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dirtydingusmagee added 21:12 - Mar 7 Very sad story .A thought for family and freinds..RIP Phil .
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blueblood66 added 21:14 - Mar 7 Tragic. RIP Phil
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1980sboy added 21:28 - Mar 7 All our thoughts go out to Phil's family at this very sad time. A one minute silence would be a very fitting tribute.
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Sindre94 added 21:30 - Mar 7 :(( All the best thoughts to family and friends from Norway... Rest in Peace...
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blueasfook added 22:14 - Mar 7 Tragic. My condolences to Phil's family. Sir Bobby will look after you mate. All the best. Blueas and family.
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roytheboy added 22:32 - Mar 7 May God bless Phil. our fellow ITFC Supporter in Heaven
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petersongoal added 22:32 - Mar 7 R.I.P Phil
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hellotosh1967 added 22:56 - Mar 7 my sincere thoughts go out to all your family and friends at this very sad time may you rest in peace and godbless james
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Norwegian_Blue added 23:32 - Mar 7 See you later Phil
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Bluearmy71 added 23:56 - Mar 7 RIP Phil Coppeard My thoughts are with your friends and family.
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singingtheblues added 00:02 - Mar 8 very sad news - our thoughts go out to phils family & friends - from all at the australasian branch of the supporters club
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bluecrossy added 00:07 - Mar 8 RIP Phil. Hoping the lads get three points for you tomorrow
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blueoff added 00:42 - Mar 8 You just never know do you, rip mate
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CanadianBlue added 00:56 - Mar 8 My thoughts go out to his family.
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DiamondGezzer added 07:06 - Mar 8 Condolences from [ if I may say ]the TWTD family and Friends, our hearts go out to you. RIP my friend.
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little_boy_blue added 09:03 - Mar 8 I am very sorry to hear of this sad loss. I have only just moved to NZ and am living in Auckland. If there is anything that I can do to help his family they can e-mail me on si_marshall@hotmail.co.uk.
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