Season › 2024-25 › General Forum Everton… My Wife — My Life By Danny O'Neill 04/07/2024 105 Comments [Jump to last] Everton is a massive part my life, and always has been. But sometimes other things take over, even for me. My wife passed away yesterday at a relatively young age. The fighter she was, she fought to the end, but sadly, she didn’t make it, even though I said I would take her to Goodison. We met in Germany and never looked back. Our first day out was a bit rocky. We headed to a theme park in Belgium. My treat. I stopped to fill up and insisted she paid half of the cost. She looked at me, but I told her equality was equality. We had great times in Germany, Cyprus and Italy. She had to live in Speke with my mother, which I think was a bit of a shock, but we moved to Woolton, a place she liked. My son went to nursery at St Christophers in Speke before going to Much Woolton school. She worked at Anfield, which was handy for derby tickets, even though my sister won’t give me them now as she doesn’t trust me! She was eventually happy in Liverpool, but was always a West Midlands girl who took me for my first Indian meal and introduced me to a whole new type of food. Her dad used to take me to a pub in a place called Gornal for those who know it. I have to confess, I could barely understand what the locals were saying. She hated Everton, mostly because of my almost uncontrolled obsession, but she let me get on with it. She fought against Everton all of our 32 years together. It was a losing battle, but I will carry an Aston Villa banner to her funeral. I promised not to put anything Everton over her. She would wake from the grave if I did. Light-hearted, at least she now can’t follow through her promise that she would scatter my ashes over Anfield. Probably her worst Everton moment was when we stayed up against Wimbledon and, alongside another friend, she and his wife had to escort us both home as we were muttering to each other and had had one too many. God rest my Melanie. We had great times and I know you deep down liked Everton. She will curse me for saying that. You always asked me who I loved the most. You or Everton. I always told you it’s just different. Well you know it was always you. Sorry for my rambling. Emotional times. Reader Comments (105) Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer () Michael Kenrick Editorial Team 1 Posted 05/07/2024 at 15:26:21 Desperately sorry to hear this, Danny.I recall someone posted something a while back that she was not doing too well, and I can't even begin to imagine the pain and the grief. I feel bad now for calling you out on repeating things here. I hope we can instead be a small thing that's there to see you through this unbearable loss. Kieran Kinsella 2 Posted 05/07/2024 at 15:49:36 DannySo sorry for your loss. I can't imagine what you're going through mate but God rest her soul. Paul Johnson 3 Posted 05/07/2024 at 15:53:41 Deepest sympathies Danny. That must have been some love you had for her if it was more than your love for the blues. Remember all the good times mate, I am sure there were many. Brent Stephens 4 Posted 05/07/2024 at 15:55:47 Oh, Danny, I'm so sorry to hear this. You told me previously that Melanie had had some health issues but I didn't expect this. I'll text you. Ian Burns 5 Posted 05/07/2024 at 15:56:53 Hi Danny - Deepest condolences - sounds like a wonderful marriage, brought a little smile to my face whilst feeling desperately sad for you. Stay strong Danny. Steve Brown 6 Posted 05/07/2024 at 15:57:21 I am so sorry to read this news Danny. From your posts, your wife came through as a strong, independent and interesting person. You seem to have lived a rich life together with so many experiences.My thoughts are with you and your family. Take care of others, but also take care of yourself. Brian Williams 7 Posted 05/07/2024 at 16:02:36 Danny, truly sorry for your loss brother.If you need help reach out. 💙 Dave Cashen 8 Posted 05/07/2024 at 16:07:34 Heartbreaking news Danny. Deepest sympathy.Take care of yourself and your sonRIP Melanie. Iain Johnston 9 Posted 05/07/2024 at 16:07:57 I'm so very sorry for your loss Danny.I lost my daughter at the age of 3 and her mum, my first wife 11 months later aged 42.You're not alone mate and you'll be supported by me in any way I can.Take care.Iain. Mike Gaynes 10 Posted 05/07/2024 at 16:12:50 Danny, I feel like I know you even though we've never met, and I wish I could just reach out and give you a hug. I'm so deeply sorry for your loss, and that of your family. Rob Halligan 11 Posted 05/07/2024 at 16:16:48 Danny, as you know, I heard from Tony Abrahams on Wednesday about the passing of your wife. Deepest condolences yet again to you and your family. I honestly didn't expect you to post the sad news on here, not so soon anyway, but maybe it will bring you some comfort knowing that so many fellow blues will share their thoughts with you. After the death of Kevin Campbell, I said on here that I would very rarely shed a tear for someone I personally didn't know after their death, but hand on heart mate, I also shed a tear for you and your wife after receiving the news from Tony. When I get a chance, I will call you, as you asked me to do on Wednesday, but as you know, I have been away. Yet again Danny, so sorry for your loss. Take care mate and stay strong. 💙💙💙 Dennis Stevens 12 Posted 05/07/2024 at 16:17:11 My condolences Danny. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. There's nothing more important than family, not even Everton. Dave Abrahams 13 Posted 05/07/2024 at 16:19:39 I knew through Tony the fight your wife was having to stay with you Danny being saying a few prayers that Melanie would win that battle.Although I never met Melanie I feel like I knew her, had a mental image of the two of you argueing the toss over Villa and Everton, put Villa first there out of respect.Words are hard to find and say in such sad times like this Danny except to offer sincere and deep sympathy to you and your family.Good night God Bless Melanie— Rest in Peace. John Raftery 14 Posted 05/07/2024 at 16:21:26 So very sorry to learn of your terrible loss, Danny. I hope you will be able to draw some strength from knowing all your friends are thinking of you. Robert Tressell 15 Posted 05/07/2024 at 16:23:48 Very sad to hear that Danny. My heart goes out to you. You've mentioned your wife a number of times over the years in posts in a very touching and sincere way. Like many posters I feel as though I know you well - and her too through the warm comments you have shared. Take good care of yourself. Si Cooper 16 Posted 05/07/2024 at 16:25:27 So sorry about your treasured wife's passing Danny. Trust you have an equally great family (dogs are people too, aren't they?) to rally around. David Bromwell 17 Posted 05/07/2024 at 16:26:16 Normally love your posts Danny, but not today. Take time to recover from the loss of your wife, these will be long terrible and sad days. Sadly we all have such moments in our lives but in time you will remember all the happy times you shared. James Lawton 18 Posted 05/07/2024 at 16:38:24 Dreadful for you and your family Danny. My heart goes out to you all. RIP Melanie x Colin Glassar 19 Posted 05/07/2024 at 16:40:46 Danny, I lost my first wife at a very young age so I understand the loss and pain you are feeling. No consolation I know, but time is a great healer. Stay strong and may she rest in eternal peace.ps: Forget TW for a while and concentrate on yourself and family. Dave Evans 20 Posted 05/07/2024 at 16:45:03 Danny. My deepest sympathy to you and your family on your sad loss. Paul Hewitt 21 Posted 05/07/2024 at 16:46:41 So sorry to hear your news Danny. Stay strong my friend.x Christopher Timmins 22 Posted 05/07/2024 at 16:59:28 DannyMy heart goes out to you, an unimaginable loss. Stay strong! Lee Courtliff 23 Posted 05/07/2024 at 17:00:33 I'm very sorry, Danny. Deepest condolences to you and your family and RIP Melanie. Paul Ferry 24 Posted 05/07/2024 at 17:01:45 Danny, I'm so sorry mate. Words fail. So young. It's a horrible shock. Thinking of you and yours. Take care and try to stay strong as hard as that is. RIP MelaniePaul💙💙💙 Stan Grace 25 Posted 05/07/2024 at 17:02:32 Really sorry to hear the news about your wife, Danny. My thoughts are with you and your family. Liam Mogan 26 Posted 05/07/2024 at 17:13:04 Heartbreaking to lose someone you love at any time, especially at an early age. Thoughts and prayers with you and your family Danny. Always heartened by how positive you are on here. This puts even more perspective on it. That you've been able to do so in such tragic circumstances is a testament to your spirit and love for your wife. Look after yourself and yours. Peter Mills 27 Posted 05/07/2024 at 17:25:47 Danny, after I heard from Tony about your loss of Mel, I put a post on another thread (“Everton plan Farewell to Goodison festival”) explaining how Goodison provided some small comfort to our family at a heart-breaking time. I had previously kept this private. I hope, in time, Goodison can do something similar for you. I hope, too, that the love and goodwill being sent to you and your family from all on here help to bring you little peace. Dale Self 28 Posted 05/07/2024 at 17:26:16 Danny, when any of us hear of a lost loved one we all feel that in our blue hearts. Not much can be said but do know that we all feel for you right now. Just make sure you are eating a good diet and occasionally getting out for some interactions and Melanie's spirit will guide you through this time. Thinking of you, keep it going. Mark Murphy 29 Posted 05/07/2024 at 17:33:55 My thoughts are with you Danny. Take time for yourself to grieve and look after yourself. We'll all be here for you whenever you need to reach out.God bless Mel, may she rest in peace. Neil Copeland 30 Posted 05/07/2024 at 17:42:16 Danny,Your write up is wonderful and I sure Mel would be very proud and touched by your words. You were obviously very close. I have already messaged you via WhatsApp, stay strong mate, my thoughts are with you and like Rob, I shed a tear. Anytime you want to chat or whatever let me know.💙 and up the Villans! Graham Hammond 31 Posted 05/07/2024 at 17:45:48 So sorry to hear of your loss, Danny. No words. I am just so very sad to read this. I hope you can find the strength to get through this, my blue friend. Ray Roche 32 Posted 05/07/2024 at 17:48:45 Danny, I'm so desperately sorry to hear of your loss. I can't even begin to imagine the pain and sorrow, the emptiness that you must be feeling right now. The loss of anyone close leaves a void that is impossible to fill and only time can heal your pain. Please take solace that Blues everywhere have you in their prayers and thoughts.ðŸ™ðŸ’™ðŸ’™ Andy Crooks 33 Posted 05/07/2024 at 17:50:41 Danny, no one can say" I know what you're going through,", because it's different for everyone. I hoped that you would put the awful news on this site because I knew that this family would put their arms round you.You are not alone💙 Joe McMahon 34 Posted 05/07/2024 at 17:53:25 Oh Danny, I'm so empty reading this, you've been incredibly strong writing this and then posting this. It sounds like Mel was a wonderful woman. So sorry for your loss, and another loved one gone way to early. Keep well our friend and keep your memories of her close to you.! Tom Fazal 35 Posted 05/07/2024 at 17:58:29 Danny, Deepest condolences on your tragic loss. R.I.P. Melanie Don Alexander 36 Posted 05/07/2024 at 17:59:20 Profound condolences mate - she obviously played a massive part in the making of you as a very good man! Cherish her memory.Give us a bell if you feel like it.Don Dave Williams 37 Posted 05/07/2024 at 18:46:44 Such a sad time Danny. Hopefully you have family and good friends who will look after you and plenty of the regulars on here who will talk, listen and be there for whatever you need.A truly dreadful time but you will stay strong and come out the other side. The thoughts of the Williams family are with you mate. Very warmest regardsDave Tony Abrahams 38 Posted 05/07/2024 at 19:04:26 So sorry Danny, but reading the very sad but heartwarming posts, one thing is certain and that is that people care about you mate. You have been through a lot with your job Danny, and this is probably why you was so calm within hours of losing your soul mate.Through the pain we must remember the good times, but when the bad times come, don't forget to talk🙠Andy Meighan 39 Posted 05/07/2024 at 19:14:26 My god Danny this has been a bolt out of the blue.I certainly can't recall you ever mentioning that she was ill because you're always so positive and upbeat. So saddened to hear this news I really am, God knows what you must be going through. I've had my own wife going through her own cancer hell but she's on the mend now, fingers crossed.From all the ToffeeWeb family I hope Melanie's soul rests in peace.God bless you pal. Billy Bradshaw 40 Posted 05/07/2024 at 19:57:15 Condolences Danny, RIP Melanie. Brendan McLaughlin 41 Posted 05/07/2024 at 22:17:59 So so sorry to hear this news, Danny.I remember Melanie posting on ToffeeWeb not so long ago... she made me laugh.Look after yourself, Danny. Bill Watson 42 Posted 06/07/2024 at 01:38:26 So sorry to hear of your sad loss, Danny. My deepest condolences to you and your family and my thoughts are with you at this sad time.I can feel your grief and emptiness as I lost my own wife in 2020. She was my best friend, soulmate and a Blue, too.Take care and stay strong.RIP, Melanie. Jamie Crowley 43 Posted 06/07/2024 at 01:53:28 Danny,I just logged on and read this heartbreaking news. My deepest condolences to you.My wife and I will be attending Mass at St Michael's in Fernandina Beach, Florida, this Sunday. Be assured we will pray for you, your family, and most importantly for the repose of your wife's soul.May Perpetual Light shine upon her...My best in this very difficult time. I'm so sorry for your loss.Rest In Peace, Melanie. Christine Foster 44 Posted 06/07/2024 at 04:21:44 Danny, tears are running down my cheeks writing this, words are not enough. Unbearable sadness but try to hold on to the good things, the memories will make you smile. But not today, I join you from afar and say a little prayer for Melanie, God Rest, God Bless and a little prayer for you too.From every corner of the world that ToffeeWeb reaches, know that we all hold you close in this heartbreaking day.Rest In Peace Melanie, God Bless Danny.. Martin Faulkner 45 Posted 06/07/2024 at 05:23:33 Deepest condolences, Danny.Sending you a big hug from down under. Jay Harris 46 Posted 06/07/2024 at 05:44:32 Danny so sorry to hear of your loss.You have contributed so much to this site and our club and I hope you can get some sense of the strength of feeling for you.It is a very sad moment but please try to hold onto the great memories you have shared with Melanie and the good times you had.None of us are on this earth for a long time but she went too young but even so you packed a lot of good times together.Condolences and stay strong. Chris Jones (NZ) 47 Posted 06/07/2024 at 06:26:50 Danny, I don't post much, but I read every day, and I just read your post. I'm so sorry for your loss. Chris Leyland 48 Posted 06/07/2024 at 07:37:15 Oh Danny, so so sorry to read this devastating news. We are all here for you. Rest in peace, Melanie. John Burns 49 Posted 06/07/2024 at 08:08:23 God Bless you Danny. To echo Mike G's sentiments. Most of us here haven't met you, but we know you as a friend. And our friend has lost his dear wife. All our sympathies, thoughts and sincere love are with you at this time. Take care, Danny. Andy Finigan 50 Posted 06/07/2024 at 08:17:34 So sorry to hear your sad news, Dan. Derek Thomas 51 Posted 06/07/2024 at 08:19:45 Danny, my deepest condolences mate, I've been there not too long ago and I know the shock, even when it isn't a shock, you know what I mean.There are a two threads on GOT (mental health & 'messy mascot') were you'll always get listened to and helped with good advice, sometimes the mere fact of putting your thoughts all down, getting it out is enough.People care, you are not alone. It hits everybody differently - there is no right or wrong way, just what works for you. Let people help you, I was lucky, my sons were great, before the funeral and down the track after. One tip for down the track, like I said, everybody's different, but I found they seem reluctant to mention their Mum, probably for fear of upsetting me, so I had to keep mentioning her in the context of events, break the ice, show it wasn't a 'don't mention the war' thing.Something happened, I forget what now, and I said...'your Mother wouldn't've stood for that shit' and away they went... "Yeah, too right" etc etc.Keep busy, get the funeral done, keep busy, walk the dogs, keep busy, one day at a time. Ian Hollingworth 52 Posted 06/07/2024 at 08:25:44 Danny, so sorry to hear this sad news and my deepest condolences to you and your family.Like others have said I have never met you but feel like I know you from your posts on here.You have thousands of blue brothers and sisters standing with you through this difficult time. Jay Evans 53 Posted 06/07/2024 at 08:43:22 My most sincere condolences, Danny.May your Melanie rest in peace and please try to take care of yourself.God bless you and all of your family at such an awful time.💙 Steve Shave 54 Posted 06/07/2024 at 08:49:42 So sorry for your loss Danny. Sending warmth to you and your family at this time 💙 Shane Corcoran 55 Posted 06/07/2024 at 08:57:56 Sorry for your loss Danny. It puts football in its correct context. Having said that, I'm sure being among Blues will help you in some way to get through this. Mike Allison 56 Posted 06/07/2024 at 08:59:20 Danny, thanks for sharing your feelings at such a strange and difficult time for you. I offer my condolences and I hope you find peace moving forward.I've known three friends who lost wives early. Just know that there is a future through the pain, where she'll always be a part of who you are.💙 Paul Birmingham 57 Posted 06/07/2024 at 09:24:52 All prayers and sympathies to you and your Family, Danny, at this terrible time.That's a bolt out the Blue, but it shows the importance of Family and making the best of every day. Your positivity is a great asset to this TW Forum and life.All matters Everton, for now can be put on hold.Melanie RIP, and Danny, we are with you in Spirit and will always be there to lean on.God Bless.💙ðŸ¤ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ€ Jeff Armstrong 58 Posted 06/07/2024 at 09:28:48 Sorry for your loss Danny, your mentions of your wife always brought a smile to me as you travelled up and down the country supporting the blues, I'm sorry our last fixture at Goodison is not what it should have been, Everton v Aston Villa.I think it's the most played fixture in English football.💙 Ted Roberts 59 Posted 06/07/2024 at 09:33:16 Danny, Sorry to hear of your wife's passing and wish to pass on my sincere condolences.i have only known you for one season through TW,but always look forward to your input and enjoy it immensely.May your wife Melanie rest peacefully and hope that all these posts from fellow Blues will be of some comfort and support for you in your grief.Take care Danny,you are in our thoughts.💙 Rob Williamson 60 Posted 06/07/2024 at 10:15:59 Tough times, Danny. Like all the others on here, my thoughts are with you and yours as you deal with your loss. Puts everything else into perspective, but I'm sure the positivity that you've shown towards Everton will be mirrored here and help you see things through. All the best mate. Larry O'Hara 61 Posted 06/07/2024 at 12:42:33 Very moving, and brave. My condolences Lynn Maher 62 Posted 06/07/2024 at 12:57:21 Danny, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of you wife, Melanie.Like many others on this site, although we have never met, I always look forward to your posts, just not this one.Please accept my sincere condolences, and know that you are part of an incredible Blue family 💙 Gerry Quinn 63 Posted 06/07/2024 at 12:57:51 My sincere condolences to you, Danny - time to remember her fondly for what you did together, be it Everton or not...RIP Melanie Laurie Hartley 64 Posted 06/07/2024 at 13:20:33 Danny, my sincere condolences. So sorry for you at this time. I will add my prayers to Jamie and his wife's at St Josephs, Chelsea, Victoria tomorrow.Get close to your friends and loved ones now - you will need their love and support while you grieve for Melanie. God rest her soul. Len Hawkins 65 Posted 06/07/2024 at 13:22:21 Danny please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your dear Melanie.You are one poster on here I love reading your descriptive travelogues of your journeys to get to home matches let alone away matches. Having lost my wife of 48 years last year I can understand the emotions and turmoil you will be going through for most of last year I kept thinking could I have done this or could I have done that but I am not a Doctor, thank God the people of Southport can rest easy, yet everyone from her friends to the carers coming to our home and the staff at the Nursing Home kept telling me I couldn't have done any more than I did.My one consolation was telling myself she was no longer in pain no longer laying in a bed she was desperate to get out of but she couldn't. it does get easier as time goes by.I remember not long after meeting her in 1973 taking her to a night match at Goodison she kept telling me Joe Royle looks a bit of alright and when the game was over (we were sat in the Bullens Rd stand at the Gwladys St end ) I asked her if she had enjoyed it she replied " I have enjoyed watching the Police Horses" who were gathered in the gap between the main stand and the Church ahh well we can't win them all but we won a lot of happiness together as did you with Melanie stay strong and remember the happy times.RIP Melanie. Clive Rogers 66 Posted 06/07/2024 at 13:27:20 Sincere condolences on your loss. Jack Convery 67 Posted 06/07/2024 at 14:02:59 RIP Melanie.My sincere condolences to you and your family and friends. Tony McNulty 68 Posted 06/07/2024 at 14:08:23 Sorry Danny. RIP Bill Gall 69 Posted 06/07/2024 at 14:24:59 So sorry to hear of your loss Danny, loosing my wife last year after close to 63yrs of marriage, I can understand the emotions that you may be going through, and I hope you can take some comfort in the reactions of your fellow Evertonians who like myself only new you through your writings. R.I.P. to your precious wife Melonie. Andrew Clare 70 Posted 06/07/2024 at 14:45:21 Sorry to hear this sad news Danny. My condolences go out to you. Christy Ring 71 Posted 06/07/2024 at 14:49:00 So sorry to hear the devastating news Danny, my deepest sympathy. Jerome Shields 72 Posted 06/07/2024 at 14:56:22 So Sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Melanie posting on ToffeeWeb and my wife Noreen harping in background 'Ms Everton again' as I read it.I did not mention Melanie.RIP Melanie, a Aston Villa fan. Kunal Desai 73 Posted 06/07/2024 at 15:54:17 Sorry to read this awful news Danny. Condolences to and your family mate. Kevin Molloy 74 Posted 06/07/2024 at 16:15:39 Deepest sympathies Danny. Danny O’Neill 75 Posted 06/07/2024 at 16:32:02 Thank you every one. All of you. Very kind thoughts and comments and very much appreciated.I can't thank you all enough for your comments. Pete Day 76 Posted 06/07/2024 at 16:58:01 So sorry to hear this Danny, my thoughts are with you 💙 Tony Dunn 77 Posted 06/07/2024 at 21:18:18 Such sad news, Danny, sorry for your loss and hope you and your family can get through this terrible time for you all. Steve Cotton 78 Posted 06/07/2024 at 21:47:24 So sorry, Danny, my wife is recovering from leukaemia but hopefully beating it... I feel your pain and I will be thinking of you going forward mate... Dave Williams 79 Posted 06/07/2024 at 21:52:27 Danny, I have spoken to Ian Davies who is the new chairman of West Country Blues and he has asked me to express his shock and profound sympathies to you. You may recall we had a beer together with him at the Harlech last season. Our thoughts are with you, mate. Danny O’Neill 80 Posted 07/07/2024 at 06:20:11 Thank you, Dave and Ian.Yes, I remember meeting up. Hopefully we can do again next season.I think I put the miles in. The West Country Blues get my utmost respect. That is a hell of a journey.As do the likes of Rob Halligan and his mates, Neil Copeland, Peter and many more, who put the miles in. As well as those who tune in all over the globe.Everton family, wherever you are or come from. Not long to go now and we'll have the Blues back. Frank Fearns 81 Posted 07/07/2024 at 07:32:29 Danny. You are the forever optimist who gives us all hope even in sad times.So sorry for your loss.RIP Melanie. Ajay Gopal 82 Posted 07/07/2024 at 07:43:51 Danny, although I have never met you, it feels like I know you and your wife and dogs well. So sorry to hear about your loss. May her soul rest in peace. Take care. Andrew McLawrence 83 Posted 07/07/2024 at 08:34:05 Sincere condolences on your loss, Danny.RIP, Melanie. Paul Hardwicke 84 Posted 07/07/2024 at 08:36:10 Danny really sorry for your loss. Like many have said, I feel like I know you even though we have never met. I always look forward to your posts and the positivity that oozes out of them. I read TW every day but hardly ever post but I feel your pain at this sad time. RIP Mel and stay strong. Peter Warren 85 Posted 07/07/2024 at 08:53:18 Hi Danny,Just read this and your wife sounds a terrific character, my youngest son a Villain too currently but I hope he changes. I am very sorry for your loss. John Keating 86 Posted 07/07/2024 at 09:06:18 Thinking of you and the family, Danny.I will say a prayer and light a candle at Mass later.Take care. John Pickles 87 Posted 07/07/2024 at 09:51:59 Very sad news. You are just about the most passionate and loyal Blue I have ever come across. If you loved Melanie more than Everton, then she was very well loved. I hope knowing that gives you some comfort and strength at this terrible time. Paul Turner 88 Posted 07/07/2024 at 09:53:40 Danny, we've not met in real life, but I often feel I know you from your posts. I can only echo the messages of support and love from everyone on TW. My heart goes out to you and your family, and to Melanie's family too, of course. Neil Tyrrell 89 Posted 07/07/2024 at 15:21:47 Adding condolences from Canada to the ones already expressed from around the world. So sorry for your loss, Danny, may your memories be a blessing. RIP Melanie 💙 Andy McShane 90 Posted 07/07/2024 at 21:25:45 Hello Danny,I've written before of my great admiration for your travels and endurances supporting the Blues. Yours is one name I always look forward to reading whenever the narrative drifts towards negative or even toxic. Your views are always measured balanced and positive with your inherent enthusiasm shining through. I don't know you personally but please accept my sincere condolences for your very sad loss from a fellow Blue. Hopefully the warm supportive messages from the ToffeeWeb community will be some meagre support at this challenging time. Paul Washington 91 Posted 08/07/2024 at 20:08:43 Awful news, Danny. I lost my dad in February. He first took me to GP in the 69/70 season.God bless you lad, and RIP Melanie. Peter Gorman 92 Posted 08/07/2024 at 20:20:36 Danny, I can only echo what so many others have said and offer my condolences and remind you that you have a lot of love on this site, if that means anything. Take care. Paul Tran 93 Posted 08/07/2024 at 21:22:20 Danny, I'm so sorry to read this. Do everything in your own time, be good to yourself, and take all the offers of help you get. RIP Melanie. Keith Harrison 94 Posted 08/07/2024 at 22:08:40 Hi Danny.It is rare that I post on here now — usually updates about my mate's lad, Jarrad, but your circumstances moved me as it obviously has many on here.Below is the poem my mother had read out at my dad's funeral over 20 years ago. Time never heals completely, but it makes the blow a tiny amount less as each day passes. I still miss him massively, but nowadays find it easy to laugh about some of the daft things he did. I hope it brings you a small comfort when you can bring yourself to read all the condolence messages, and it looks like you already have a great support group in Rob, the Abrahams, Pete Mills and Andy Crooks etc. Don't hesitate to reach out to those wonderful human beings, you're one yourself.Death is Nothing at AllI have only slipped away into the next room,I am I, and you are you,Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.Call me by the old familiar name.Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.Put no difference into your tone.Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.Laugh as we always laughedAt the little jokes that we enjoyed together.Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.Let it be spoken without an effort,Without the ghost of a shadow upon it.Life means all that it ever meant.It is the same as it ever was.There is absolute and unbroken continuity.What is this death but a negligible accident?Why should I be out of mindbecause I am out of sight?I am but waiting for you,for an interval,somewhere very near,just around the corner.All is well.Take care my friend,Keith Andrew Keatley 95 Posted 08/07/2024 at 22:52:17 Danny; your love and commitment to Everton Football Club is truly something to behold, so I can only imagine that your wife Melanie and the rest of your family have all enjoyed the same sort of devotion and loyalty.I really hope that the esteem you are held in on these pages is clear for you to see, and it offers you some solace in this desperately sad moment. Mick O'Malley 96 Posted 10/07/2024 at 08:42:13 Danny, I haven't looked at ToffeeWeb for a bit but I'm so sorry to hear about your wife, sending my condolences. John Hall 97 Posted 10/07/2024 at 09:27:04 May your beloved Melanie rest in peace, Danny. Not many blue noses here in our part of the world but we all send our deepest condolences. Danny O’Neill 98 Posted 10/07/2024 at 15:02:46 I don't want to labour this thread, but wanted to once again thank the Royal Blue family for the touching thoughts. It means lot.Thank you for that poem Keith. John McFarlane Snr 99 Posted 10/07/2024 at 16:07:51 Hi Danny [98] I have been absent from this site for a while, because it has contained more 'business subjects' than football. I have only just learned of your loss, and I wish to offer my condolences to you and your family on such a heartbreaking occasion. Danny O’Neill 100 Posted 10/07/2024 at 17:56:26 Thank John, always good to hear from you. Goodison and Bramley Moore next season for a catch up. Ed Fitzgerald 101 Posted 11/07/2024 at 16:59:22 Hi Danny ,I very rarely post on here anymore mostly because I am a negative curmudgeon with nothing worth saying. I do however still read the comments and articles and I am always buoyed by your relentless positivity about all things Everton, your commitment to the cause and good humour. I was genuinely saddened and moved to hear about your wife's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your extended family. I'm not ashamed in any way to admit shedding a few tears when reading your article. I'm hoping you can sense the tsunami of love and best wishes from fellow Blues, both young and old, near and far, hardened cynics (like me) and those of a lot more generous disposition. Take care of yourself, mate. Dave Lynch 102 Posted 11/07/2024 at 17:29:37 Danny... I rarely if ever post during off season but had to give you my deepest condolences.I don't know what I'd do without my Marie... she's my best friend and my worst enemy but I love her so much.Deepest sympathy mate, prayers and thoughts to you. Mike Hanlon 103 Posted 13/07/2024 at 21:06:54 Danny, sorry for my comment being so late, I have only just caught-up on recent ToffeeWeb postings and was shocked and saddened to read about your loss. Melanie may well be smiling down at recent transfer dealings between us and Villa and possibly the Onana move too?Thinking of you and in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Take care, Blue. Ricky Oak 104 Posted 14/07/2024 at 01:05:06 Deepest condolences Danny, sending love from Dorset. Steve Green 105 Posted 14/07/2024 at 02:08:59 Hello Danny, I'm only just sighting this so apologies for late comment. Sincere condolences on your very sad loss, what a shit time you will be going through. Stay strong and always reflect on you were together that long for a very good reason. It was meant to be. RIP Melanie.I travelled up from the South Coast 17 months ago to attend the funeral of an ex-colleague who also happened to be a family friend. During his daughter's eulogy, she said when she was a little girl she asked "Dad, who do you love more, Everton or mum?" After careful consideration, he replied "It's your mum of course, but only in the cricket season"... cue the whole church falling apart laughing. RIP Take care, only our club, Danny, that's why we love all things Everton and always will. Add Your Comments In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site. » Log in now Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site. How to get rid of these ads and support TW © ToffeeWeb