The Tayside darts family is in mourning after the death of “true gentle giant” David Ellis.
Davie, who was from Monifieth, lost his short battle with cancer and will be laid to rest on Hogmanay.
The 48-year-old latterly travelled across Europe to support his close pal Paul “Chocolate” Coughlin’s bid to reach the BDO World Championship.
He managed to rack up enough points to qualify but sadly Davie died before he was able to fulfil his dream of watching his friend take to the famous Lakeside stage.
Paul, who is from Dundee, will now wear Davie’s name on the sleeve of his shirt in tribute when he plays Karel Sedlacek in the first round on January 4.
Russell Roebuck, managing director of Behind the Oche, said: “Davie loved darts and in particular loved Team BTO semi-pro player Paul Coughlin.
“Latterly in Paul’s quest to reach Lakeside, Davie sacrificed more than many, helping with travel, driving, costs and no doubt subbing Paul a tenner or euro here and there while travelling around Europe with him.
“When someone’s ambition is for someone else to achieve something, you know there’s something good inside that person for Davie it was simply to see Paul qualify and then attend Lakeside this January. Half of that dream has been realised sadly the other half has been cruelly deprived.
“Davie just believed in and supported local darts and will be greatly missed.”
Jennifer and Stewart Ellis, Davie’s mother and father, paid tribute to their “kind and generous” son.
Jennifer said: “He was a very well-liked man with lots of friends and a wicked sense of humour.
“He will leave such a big void in everyone’s lives.”
Davie, who was a nightshift worker at BT, vowed to live his remaining months to the full after his diagnosis.
Jennifer added: “Ever since he left school, he loved darts. He’s played in Dundee, Forfar, Blairgowrie just everywhere.
“He wanted to keep as active as possible and he travelled to Barcelona and Latvia with Paul when he was off trying to get points to qualify for the World Championship and supported him all the way.
“He wanted to get to Christmas and then watch Paul at Lakeside and it’s really sad he didn’t make it. But we want to thank all our friends, family, the darts community and the staff who treated David for all their help and support.”