Brighton and Hove Hockey Club is sad to learn of the loss of one of its greatest and longest-standing supporters this summer with the death of Yerchanig Missirian, known to all as 'Carlo's Dad'. He was 93.

Yerchanig was a regular fixture at hundreds of games over the years and latterly, when he couldn't get to the side of the pitch, could be seen cheering, shouting and waving his stick as he followed the action from his car. He was close to players from Carlo's era and supported his son at first XI, Flippers, Rocks and Veterans matches. He saw all the Sussex Cup finals and took particular pleasure in victories over Lewes as he understood the meaning of rivalry. He is pictured gloating with Carlo's cup winner's medal in the Lewes clubhouse.

A proud Armenian, Yerchanig loved to come into the clubhouse and enjoy the post-match atmosphere with the players. He would ring his son - the captain of BHHC's men's veterans and 4th teams - every Saturday to find out the result of his match if he couldn't make it.

As a sportsman, 'Carlo's Dad' played basketball and football but he was better known as a musician, composer, conductor and teacher. Carlo says he feels privileged to have had a father who has been around long enough to be able to watch him play into his fifties and fondly jokes about how his parents once survived an "attempt" by Jon Royce to run them down when reversing his car into them. He has vowed to dedicate victory in the National Veterans Cup competition to his father should Brighton win it and is exploring the idea of a memorial to him with the club.

Yerchanig, who came to England in the 1950s, leaves a wife, son, daughter and five grandchildren. Carlo has asked to express, on behalf of his family, their gratitude for all the kind words, messages and support from the Brighton hockey family, which have meant a lot to them at a sad time. BHHC members Richard Cook, Dave DeLea and Graham Pruce helped carry the coffin at the funeral last week.