DEVOTED Chelsea FC fan Mike Pearce died after losing his battle with cancer on July 12, aged 59.

He was with his wife of 36 years Sue, also 59, and two daughters Jenny, 30, and Lucy, 26, when he passed away peacefully at Poole Hospital.

Born in Southwark, London, in 1955, he was the son of May and Phil Pearce and younger brother to Linda.

Mike was a dedicated Scout from the age of 11 after joining Cubs aged seven.

A committed Chelsea supporter from the age of 14, during his lifetime he attended thousands of games. He was a member of Chelsea South Dorset supporters’ club and during 2006, 2007 and 2008 attended every match – home, away and abroad.

Mr Pearce went to college after leaving school aged 16 to pursue a career in accountancy.

During his studies he worked for Legal and General in Surrey, where he met Sue. The pair married in 1978 and moved to Sutton where he worked in Epsom as an accountant.

Their first child, Jenny, was born in 1983, followed by Lucy in 1988, both in Horley.

The family moved to Honeysuckle Lane in Creekmoor, Poole, in 1990, and Mike’s parents moved into the same road soon afterwards.

His father moved into the family home after May Pearce’s death in 2004.

Mr Pearce was described by his family as a loving, generous and supportive man. His wife Sue said he always worked incredibly hard to provide the best for his family, while his daughter Jenny praised the support he gave her, and treasured memories of going to Chelsea matches.

Lucy said her father gave her inspiration to succeed in life and was always there “knowing the right thing to do”.

Described by friends as “one in a million” and as a “mentor”, Mike will be remembered for always wanting to help those close to him.

He was known as the life and soul of every party and someone who “worked hard and played hard”.

A Chelsea FC-themed funeral service will be held at Poole Crematorium on Friday, July 25, at 1.30pm. Those attending are asked to wear a Chelsea shirt or something blue.