FORMER Suffolk FA Director David Rose has passed away at the age of 81.

Having joined the club as an office boy in 1958, David (above right) took on the role of Club Secretary at Ipswich Town FC in 1975.

After serving for nearly three decades in this vastly-changing and vital role at the club, a period which includes the FA Cup triumph of 1978, the UEFA Cup triumph of 1981, and the Division Two title of 1991-92 that would see Ipswich Town compete in the inaugural ever season of the Premier League, David retired as Secretary in 2003.

He wouldn’t stay away from the club for long though, as he was convinced to still dedicate some time to the club as matchday organiser. He was awarded the UEFA Order of Merit in 2004.

Not one to rest, David also used this time post-retirement to become involved in local politics as an independent member of Babergh District Council, representing his home village of Holbrook as well as neighbouring village Harkstead. He also Chaired the committee of Holbrook Village Hall, and served on the Council of the Lawn Tennis Association.

In 2009, David joined the Board of Suffolk FA as a Director, a position he would hold until July 2015; a period which saw Martin Head retire and replaced by Phil Knight as CEO in 2010, who in turn was replaced by Laura Smith in 2012. David served as a Member of the Suffolk FA Council thereafter.

Suffolk FA Chief Executive Officer Richard Neal said: “Most of all, David will be remembered as a kind and generous gem man who loved football and Suffolk, usually seen with a broad and warm smile on his face.

“Whilst he spent many of his Saturday’s at Portman Road watching his beloved Ipswich Town, when possible he would regularly take in local games – within my first season of being in role I vividly remember stumbling across David and friends watching a game at The Bourne Vale Club in Ipswich, and that less-formal 90 minutes spent with him has stayed with me since.

“We will be asking those involved in the 1st round matches of the Suffolk Premier Cup and Suffolk Senior Cup to recognise this significant loss to the Suffolk football family.”

David is survived by his wife Jo, his four children Paul, Amanda, Sarah and James, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

David’s funeral will be held on Friday, September, 27th at 11am at All Saints Church in Holbrook.

To help the family with preparations, anyone wishing to attend are asked to confirm to Richard.Neal@SuffolkFA.com