By Dionne Meehan
FRIENDS and family of Ramelton man Charles ‘Boots’ Boyce will go head to head at the end of the month as the annual memorial match makes its return to Swilly Park.
After Charles passed away in 2021, his absence left a deep void in the ‘wee toon’. Since, the family have been celebrating his life by hosting a charity football match strictly for those over the age of 35.
With the success of last year’s match succeeding the family’s expectations, this year they have decided to choose Ramelton First Responders as their beneficiary.
Charles is remembered in the town as a kind hearted family man, a proud father to Natasha and Dean and a proud grandfather to Ada, Teddy and Charles.
From the pantomime to the Lennon Festival, he loved all things Ramelton.
Charles took pride in his local football club, Ramelton Mariners FC, which was formed back in 1991 by six men, including himself.
When he wasn’t standing greeting the world with a “yes boy” at the entrance of Pound Street, he was helping the community by setting up the local country market or watering his neighbour’s flowers.
If there was a job to be done around the town you could be sure Charles took care of it with a smile on his face.
Charles spread fun and laughter wherever he went and he got around.
He left a lasting impression on everyone he met, from his time spent working in the Ramelton Community Hospital organising game nights for the residents to moving to America and ending up working in a pub owned by a Ramelton man.
Charles’ daughter, Natasha Boyce said there is not a day that goes by that someone doesn’t mention his name.
“Daddy just loved people,” Natasha said.
“Those he didn’t know he made it his mission to get to know them, especially if they had just moved to the town. He looked after everyone.
“He was a proud parent and a proud grandparent.
“He always said his children were his proudest achievement. He cared for his mammy and did everything for her, they were the best of friends.
“He was a real character, full of bad jokes, banter and craic.
“Everyone’s memories of daddy are all good memories and that just shows you what kind of person he was.”
The Charles ‘Boots’ Memorial Match will take place at 1pm on Sunday, December 22 in Swilly Park, Ramelton.
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