Gary Norman, chairman of the Hertfordshire Football Association, has died suddenly, aged just 56.
The grassroots football stalwart was on holiday in Spain when he suffered a heart attack.
A Herts FA spokesman said: “A very generous and kind man, Gary will be sorely missed by everyone involved with the Hertfordshire FA and all those who knew him within football.
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with Gary’s family and friends to whom we send our sincere condolences.”
Gary joined the Hertfordshire FA in 1983, whilst still in his twenties.
Progressing rapidly, he became the secretary of the South-West Division – a position he held until the Association centralised in 1999.
He went on to become the secretary of the Discipline Committee, and vice-chairman of the Association, before being elected as chairman in 2007.