Boulderbollocks - Nick Earl

[loz]

Nick Earl (Boulderbollocks)

Died Friday 31st August

A Very Carefree Blue

On Friday August 31st Hilary lost her husband, Josh lost his step dad and all of us on The Shed End lost a friend. Out of all of us on the site Katznutz (pictured on the left in the picture above with Boulderbollocks) knew him best and had the sad task of breaking the news to the rest of us. There followed a series of tributes to a poster who had made a lot of us laugh many times over the years.

To Hilary and Josh, and the rest of Nick's family, goes all our love and our very best wishes.

Hilary asked respectfully that the funeral be a family affair with family flowers only and nominated two charities should anybody wish to donate in Nick's name. These two charities are 'The British Lung Foundation' and 'The British Organ Donor Society'. A donation to both was made by the Shed End regulars and I would encourage anyone reading this to do likewise via their websites.

Of course it is a terribly sad thing to happen but none of us remember Boulderbollocks as a sad person. He was colourful, he was fun and he was memorable. If he is looking down and reading this page who wouldn't bet he would get half way through before saying "I will have a cup of tea and read the rest later"

Katznutz

There's no easy way to put this so..........

It is with deep regret that I have the very sad news to tell you that Boulderbollocks (Nick) passed away last Friday 31st August

Nick as you all knew was a larger than life character & tried to enjoy life to the maximum, but what many of you probably didn't know was that he was a very ill man & had massive breathing problems & was waiting for a lung transplant, which he actually got on the Tuesday, but it didn't take. I will spare you the details & out of respect to Hilary (His wife)

We only met up 3 times, but I treated (Boulderbollocks) as a very good friend & we had such a giggle together. Me & Hilary & Josh (his stepson) will meet up sometime for a game at Chelsea & carry on with the laughs that me & him unfortunately can't have any more.

My thoughts are with Hilary & the family at this time & I will raise a glass of something special in his honour later today. His funeral is in his hometown of Durham on 7th Sept & will be a completely NON-religious event. Unfortunately I won't be attending as I have commitments at home, but if I didn't I would be there.

So where ever you are or what ever you're doing today, please have a couple of moments to think about the man that was (Boulderbollocks) (Nick) I've got no problems to say that I've shed a couple of tears today.

Rest In Peace mate I will really miss you as I'm sure a few others will do to (Bluebeard especially)

Tributes

Loz: Deeply sad news. I knew BB was ill and I knew it was serious but I had no idea the full extent of it. To say he was a colourful character on here is a major under statement and he will be greatly missed. To Hilary, and all his family, go all my thoughts. Today we should toast a great blue and a very very funny man. Rest in Peace Boulderbollocks.

Tim W: RIP (We now need to win all 4 in BB's honour)

Jimbo: He was only posting here last week. Very sad news indeed and I'll definitely raise a glass to him today.

Gem: Best wishes go to his family, sad news indeed.

Chippy: Very sad news and my thoughts go out to his family, RIP

The Brit: so sad to hear we have lost a blues brother and a friend of the CSR...hope Chelsea put in a great performance today to honour him.

Yogic: May his family, and all others that have lost someone special, find peace within.

Lofty: I didn't know the bloke, but it's obvious that he was well respected and will be sadly missed. All I can do is offer my condolences to his family and friends. RIP.

Alan: As Lofty has said above I didn't know Nick personally, but my condolences go to his family and friends. RIP.

Germanblue: RIP I hope his family will find peace.

Bluebeard: Although I knew the seriousness of his illness, it still came as a shock to me to hear this terribly sad news.

Like most people on here, I never got to meet Nick, but we knew each other for about four years via the internet. We had many a long conversation on MSN, and we'd always have a good laugh. BoulderBollocks could always be relied upon to put a smile on your face.

I was aware that Nick was seriously ill and awaiting a lung transplant, but he always remained positive and was looking forward to getting the transplant out of the way so he could come down and watch Chelsea later this season. It's great that his wife and stepson will still come down to meet up with Katznutz again, though I imagine that'll be an emotional day.

Rest In Peace, Nick, it was a privilege knowing you. I'm gonna miss you a lot mate - I'll raise my glass to you at kick-off time this afternoon.

Valerie: This is terrible news. I didn't know Nick, but that doesn't mean anything when reading about his sad death. I wish his family and friends all the strength they need.

Enrico: Bit of a shock really. Then again I had no idea about his condition. I remember Boulderbollocks for his great sense of humour and easygoing nature. This is depressing... rest in peace.

Mod: Terrible news, thoughts are with his family and friends.

Backbiter: Very shocked and saddened by this news. BB will be sadly missed and fondly remembered on here. Condolences to his family.

Makelele: RIP Nick

Gullit4: Chatted with him and Bluebeard once or twice offline- what always came across was great sense of humour. Thoughts are with his family and friends.

Jackh: I haven't been on this forum long but I'm sorry to hear about this. RIP

Englishman: Sad news about a respected poster. My condolences to his family and friends.

Lady Diehard: Farewell to one of the great characters of the Forum. You will be sadly missed BB.

Andy: I didn't know him well, but really saddened by this tragic news. Wishes to his family. It is a strange feeling knowing someone over the internet and then something like this happening. I know I have met quite a few from these forums, but something like this brings it home that we are all real people on here, and BB was one of the special ones. Really top bloke. RIP mate... I'll be thinking of you next home game, with pride I knew you if only in cyberspace !

Sweet Waffle: Terrible news, my condolences to his family, he will be missed.

Jack: Came on to have a moan about result today but it pales into insignificance with this news. What can you say - RIP mate.

Goose: Was totally unaware of his condition. Sad News. My thoughts to his family.

FalkirkChelsea: Puts the result into perspective. I'll get over the result after about 4 cans but I will raise 1 of them to Boulderbollocks (struggled to write that without laughing) and wish his family all the best.

Just: Very sad news. Never met BB but always enjoyed reading his posts and debating Chelsea with him. RIP Nick

Mike O: Take care Nick. Wherever you are, keep that blue flag flying high.

The Moos: Liverpool at the top of the table, Chelsea beaten by Villa. I can mention many more sad things but they don't mean anything compared to this. I didn't know BB well and never met him, but we shared the love for Chelsea and that is enough for me. I'm sad to hear that he's gone and my thoughts go out to his family. RIP BB.

Clubhappy: Tragic , a big loss to the forum and the fact he was still posting here during a very difficult time for him speaks volumes about the man. I can only admire him as a man. RIP

Barak81: Like others I came on here to have a moan about the result today but everything I felt about that had completely disappeared and been over shadowed. As has been said it is strange to know some one through words and debate alone and then for tragic reasons have them not there. Well as I believe you will be on the internet in heaven as we speak nick reading the posts and wanting to add your witty comments about today's results I will say this. Your posts where always a pleasure to read. If I saw you had posted in a thread I would make sure I took the time to read through it. we will miss your contribution and your humour on this forum for ever more and hope that where ever you are your happy and take the time to look down us every now and again and smile upon us. Your loss to us is tragic but your new adventures will be fantastic and I wish you all the best for them.

Liam: Terrible to hear of Boulderbollocks' passing. A very funny guy and there was always a warmth in his posts. Rest in Peace.

Scott: Never had the pleasure of knowing Nick but always thought that to call yourself BoulderBollocks you must be a hell of a bloke, and I'm sure he was. Deepest sympathy to his family. RIP you mighty Blue!

Aussiegood: My condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace Nick.

Butch: My condolences to his family.

Ossie13: Terrible news! All our thoughts at this time are with his family & friends. RIP Nick

Bjd: Don't know what to say about this, not a lot can be said. I enjoyed the posts from BB, he seemed a really decent funny bloke. My very deepest condolences to his friends and family.

Coombsie: Like many others I had not had the privilege of meeting Nick. I was always drawn to his excellent posts. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time. RIP Nick

Youlots: Terrible news. His absence around here will only make this a poorer place. Shine on mate, wherever you are.

Kenn: This is sad, sad news. I mentioned him as one of my favourite characters at the old CSR forum mostly because of his uniquely funny handle. And I’ve always imagined him as a cheerful and bubbly fellow, because even though I didn’t read much from him on the forum, the little I’ve read points to this. My thoughts go out to his family and loved ones. May they find the strength and fortitude to bear this loss. May his soul rest in perfect peace.

Nibs: Very Sad News. Didn't know Nick personally but felt that I got to know him through his posts. Condolences to all his family and friends - he will be missed. RIP.

C3blu: I didn't know him personally but my deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends. RIP. Boulderbollocks.

Barn: Gutted to hear this, RIP Boulder! Thoughts, love, respect and best wishes to his family.

Tim: Really, really sad news. Like many others have said, I always loved reading his posts and if they were anything to go by, he seemed to have a fantastic attitude to life and will be sorely missed. My deepest sympathies to his friends, family and loved ones. RIP Nick.

Qaz: Wow, I heard some murmurs around the other areas of this forum. I didn't realise he had died though......... That is terrible terrible news, he was a fantastic guy. Certainly puts things into perspective, I feel like going back and removing my other Chelsea related posts tonight out of respect.

Phillip: Whenever I think of Boulderbollocks, I think of his crazy avatar on the old CSR forum. It was silly beyond belief, and made you want to laugh! I will miss his posts, and it only makes my weekend more miserable to hear about what happened to him.

Jane: So very sad to read this news. BB and I crossed swords on the odd occasion, but agreed on far more things than we disagreed. For anyone to face such major surgery is a true mark of a very very brave person. It is so sad that he didn't make it, but boy what a bloke he was to have faced it with such hopes for the future. His family must be devastated and they are in my thoughts and prayers. As for BB well....

Do not stand at my grave and weep

I am not there, I do not sleep

I am a thousand winds that blow

I am the diamond glint on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you wake in the morning hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circling flight

I am the soft stars that shine at night

Do not stand at my grave and cry

I am not there. I did not die.

I'll look you up when I get there mate, but in the meantime, enjoy!

Yorkleyblue: I never met BB, but we swapped CFC stuff a few times and he introduced me to other forums. He was a top bloke and always a good read on here, regardless of whether you agreed with him or not. He will be greatly missed.

My thoughts are with his family.

Dorset: Returned from a weekend away and eager to hear the latest news. Not anymore. BB was a passionate poster from way back and a very readable one. Deepest sympathies to his family and friends. RIP.

Geezer: Everything else pales into insignificance. Carefree my friend. We'll miss you loads.

Lauren: Sad news to read, enjoyed his posts. Condolences to his family. Glad he got see us win all our silverware.

Shammy feen: Best wishes and condolences to Nick's family and friends. Nick, may you be carefree wherever you may be. Kind regards, Shammy.

2k: this is very sad news indeed. I used to enjoy his posts greatly. RIP mate.

Toruxxx: RIP Nick, I know I did not know him but by the sounds of it from you guys and the post's I read that he posted he sounds like a great and funny guy. My condolences to his family and friends. Carefree Nick keep the blue flag flying high wherever you maybe!. Ben

dkw: RIP BB. Fly the Blue Flag High when you meet our maker.

Tea Bar Boy: Very sad news not sure I can add anything that has not been said already . More than happy to donate when it is all set up, I hope his family take some comfort from all the posts.

Loud and Proud: Sad news. Puts my trivial worries into perspective. Didn't know him personally but remember him sticking up for me on the football frenzy forum. Cheers mate.

BackinBlue: RIP BB. Reading BB's posts, it always showed how passionate he was towards the club. May his soul rest in peace.

Rizza: I am so sorry to hear about his death - at least we know that he will be giving the likes of King Osgood and Matthew Harding his very direct opinions. I will always remember him for his cheekiness and flirtatiousness and the way he made no qualms about pissing anyone off to get his point across. He will always be remembered by us lot on the CSR - RIP Boulderbollocks. Lots of love and strength to Hilary and Josh, my thoughts are with you.

midlandblue: RIP. Nick. Condolences to family and friends.

abramovich: This is so sad. Nick you will be missed. RIP.

Scott (mad mac): Hope you're sitting having a pint with your feet up, watching constant Chelsea matches in heaven.

fansince65: Shockingly sad news, I have only just got back on line after 3 weeks due to moving house so please forgive my late addition to the tributes being paid. I never had the pleasure of knowing Nick personally but like so many of us here enjoyed his posts and found his sense of humour brilliantly cutting and completely non offensive (except to scousers!) he was a rare breed and will be sadly missed on this forum. My sincerest condolences go to his wife and family and close friends on their tragic loss, with the hope that they may find some comfort in the knowledge that they had the privilege of being a major part in the life of someone who quite clearly was a very special person and who, it appears bought much happiness and fun into the lives of those who knew him best. May you rest in peace in your own blue heaven.

amm: RIP. So sad.... Alex

Bluenut: My thought's are with his family, although I believe you should celebrate someone's life rather than their passing. He had a dry wit and great sense of humour, (his username gave that away). we never met but I think we'd get on like a house on fire! I'll remember his banter and flirting with Rizza, he was a funny bloke. RIP

Mike (Stockport fan): BB was a great guy who will be missed by many on the various forums he went on. he was such a witty guy and always brought a smile to many faces. Heart goes out to his wife and the rest of his family and close friends... it brought me to tears when I heard the news so god knows how it affected his family and friends. Thanks for the memories Nick.

coylersafc: Just read this sad news, Boulderbollocks was the man who encapsulated all that was good about this online community, always friendly , willing to help anyone with a problem, blessed with sharp wit and wicked sense of humour, I for one was keen to meet the man in person, and often suggested he come along with us SAFC lads to a match one time ,now knowing of his condition, I now realise this may not have been possible, I send my condolences to his family. RIP Boulderbollocks you will be missed, but also remembered fondly.

South Stand Blade: I didn't know Nick personally but always had a good chat & laugh with him on football frenzy. He was one of the decent members on there & will be missed. RIP fella.

TomP: Just logged in for the first time in a few weeks - absolutely terrible news. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

GavinH: Really sad the read the news.. RIP Chelsea boy.