I am sure that I am not alone in shedding a tear today. I am also sure that I am not alone in admitting that I probably didn't know Seb well enough on a personal level to warrant those tears or the sorrow that has followed me around throughout today. I did, however, completely appreciate his absolute passion for our football club, and on the odd occasion would give him a nod or a quick hello.
Whilst all clubs will have their own 'superfans' our Seb has done Charlton Athletic proud. The football community can all appreciate his efforts, that much is apparent from social media. We too, as Charlton fans, can more specifically appreciate those efforts. Some of the low times we have endured by following this club would have led to most simply to get home and pack it all in, or at least make the decision to go down to games a lot less frequently. Undeterred, Seb would still meticulously plan and attend week after week, that is a measure of what his Charlton meant to him. There are a few Charlton teams from down the years who could of done with the resilience, consistently and regiment shown by Seb... in turn that may have led to Seb seeing a few more wins...
A continual thought I have had today is that Seb was there to experience Lee Bowyers warriors do the business at Wembley last year, no doubt that meant everything to Seb, and my goodness did he deserve that day.
And to Seb's brother, Ollie, I am unequivocally sorry for your loss, I hope that you, your dad and your whole family can remain as strong as possible at a time like this. We are with you.
At the time Wembley felt like my day. Now it is clear that it was Seb's day. I am so glad he had it. It meant a lot to me as I'm sure it did to everybody else on this site, but I am sure it meant even more to Seb. Not much of a comfort but a very small one.
Thank you for this beautiful tribute ... RIP Seb. The uncertainty hanging over the club's ownership is in stark contrast to Seb's loyalty, passion, desire, commitment and love for CAFC.
Didn't know Seb although knew of him of course - can put a face to the name now - so so tragic, looked like a real fun bloke and this really is a choker - thoughts and best wishes with his family - be great if the statue in the seat idea happens - he deserves it. RIP Seb.
RIP Seb didnt know him well but always a face you saw at away games and would say hello to. He was sat behind me at Wembley - you could see how much the day meant to him.
RIP Seb, a huge loss to everyone who shares his passion of Charlton Athletic.
He was and always will be part of club. It wasn't an proper away game if you didn't spot Seb - he will be so, so greatly missed.
It's heartwarming to see how strongly everyone feels about him but gutting too. He found his niche in life and it was following Charlton all over the country - he loved the club and everyone involved with Charlton loved him.
I hope it's okay? I just wanted to share some thoughts on here. I'm not too sure why? It's probably going to be quite cathartic for me though, and it's a reflection of how I feel about fellow Charlton supporters, and how it feels 'safe' to share such thoughts and feelings with you all.
I woke up this morning with sore, weathered eyes; a consequence of spending the day yesterday shedding many a tear over Seb. I spent the entire day trawling through twitter and our forum, marvelling at the tributes to, and respect for, Seb. The slightest thing would 'set me off'. There were some wonderful words, acts and montages put together by so many people, it was just so moving.
Like many, I only 'knew' Seb through away games. I'd always ensure I'd say hello to him if our paths crossed directly, and on one occasion, I even had a brief chat to him about his role as a driving instructor. But, in essence, I didn't really know him.
So why is this one of the worst feelings I have felt since losing my Dad (who first took me to The Valley in 1976 v Sheff Utd) in 1996? The only conclusion I can reach is because it's Charlton. Something so special, that no one outside of 'our' fraternity could ever truly understand or grasp just how unique this club is, and you, the supporters, are.
In a vast collective of special fans, Seb truly was the special one amongst us and he epitomised everything that's great about us and the club. The spirit, the determination, the dedication, the loyalty, the perseverance, the indefatigability, the camaraderie, the 'never say die' attitude. Seb had the lot, in copious and unrivalled amounts.
To take my mind off things, I did my usual routine on a rowing machine yesterday afternoon. I've been trying to beat my 'PB' over a set distance for the last 2 months, and had got nowhere near it, until yesterday. I sat on the machine, played 'Valley Floyd Road' on a loop, and for 22mins 31secs focussed on Seb. He gave me the strength and determination to beat my previous best time by 30 secs!
In particularly trying times for us all at present, the loss of Seb added to the worry and pain that we all feel. I'm currently abroad working, and have no idea when I will next be able to get home to see my family. It's a pretty helpless place to be in, but I still have my friends and family to think of and talk to. Seb's 'people' no longer have that luxury that we can so easily take for granted.
Thanks for listening, all stay safe, and thanks for being Charlton; the most unique, exceptional and wonderful football club on this planet.
And Seb, thanks for showing us all just what humility and loyalty and love and passion is all about.
You will never, ever, be forgotten fella, I promise. RIP x
Comments
collection of tweets put together as a set on Twitter
Rest in peace, Seb.
Whilst all clubs will have their own 'superfans' our Seb has done Charlton Athletic proud.
The football community can all appreciate his efforts, that much is apparent from social media.
We too, as Charlton fans, can more specifically appreciate those efforts. Some of the low times we have endured by following this club would have led to most simply to get home and pack it all in, or at least make the decision to go down to games a lot less frequently.
Undeterred, Seb would still meticulously plan and attend week after week, that is a measure of what his Charlton meant to him.
There are a few Charlton teams from down the years who could of done with the resilience, consistently and regiment shown by Seb... in turn that may have led to Seb seeing a few more wins...
A continual thought I have had today is that Seb was there to experience Lee Bowyers warriors do the business at Wembley last year, no doubt that meant everything to Seb, and my goodness did he deserve that day.
And to Seb's brother, Ollie, I am unequivocally sorry for your loss, I hope that you, your dad and your whole family can remain as strong as possible at a time like this. We are with you.
True Charlton
Tributes keep coming in , this one really got me
The uncertainty hanging over the club's ownership is in stark contrast to Seb's loyalty, passion, desire, commitment and love for CAFC.
https://www.cafc.co.uk/news/view/5e7ccdcc5e8e8/chris-powell-pays-tribute-to-seb-lewis
You're family are hurting so much now. Rest in Peace Seb. Never to be forgotten. Amen.
He was and always will be part of club. It wasn't an proper away game if you didn't spot Seb - he will be so, so greatly missed.
It's heartwarming to see how strongly everyone feels about him but gutting too. He found his niche in life and it was following Charlton all over the country - he loved the club and everyone involved with Charlton loved him.
Thoughts with his family.
I woke up this morning with sore, weathered eyes; a consequence of spending the day yesterday shedding many a tear over Seb. I spent the entire day trawling through twitter and our forum, marvelling at the tributes to, and respect for, Seb. The slightest thing would 'set me off'. There were some wonderful words, acts and montages put together by so many people, it was just so moving.
Like many, I only 'knew' Seb through away games. I'd always ensure I'd say hello to him if our paths crossed directly, and on one occasion, I even had a brief chat to him about his role as a driving instructor. But, in essence, I didn't really know him.
So why is this one of the worst feelings I have felt since losing my Dad (who first took me to The Valley in 1976 v Sheff Utd) in 1996? The only conclusion I can reach is because it's Charlton. Something so special, that no one outside of 'our' fraternity could ever truly understand or grasp just how unique this club is, and you, the supporters, are.
In a vast collective of special fans, Seb truly was the special one amongst us and he epitomised everything that's great about us and the club. The spirit, the determination, the dedication, the loyalty, the perseverance, the indefatigability, the camaraderie, the 'never say die' attitude. Seb had the lot, in copious and unrivalled amounts.
To take my mind off things, I did my usual routine on a rowing machine yesterday afternoon. I've been trying to beat my 'PB' over a set distance for the last 2 months, and had got nowhere near it, until yesterday. I sat on the machine, played 'Valley Floyd Road' on a loop, and for 22mins 31secs focussed on Seb. He gave me the strength and determination to beat my previous best time by 30 secs!
In particularly trying times for us all at present, the loss of Seb added to the worry and pain that we all feel. I'm currently abroad working, and have no idea when I will next be able to get home to see my family. It's a pretty helpless place to be in, but I still have my friends and family to think of and talk to. Seb's 'people' no longer have that luxury that we can so easily take for granted.
Thanks for listening, all stay safe, and thanks for being Charlton; the most unique, exceptional and wonderful football club on this planet.
And Seb, thanks for showing us all just what humility and loyalty and love and passion is all about.
You will never, ever, be forgotten fella, I promise. RIP x