Albert Whitelaw

Ralph Ellerker, current referees' secretary of the Harrow Youth Football League paid this tribute:

It was with great sadness that the league heard of Albert’s passing this past Saturday.

He served on the management committee, as its loyal referees' secretary from 1987 until 2002, a role that requires huge amount of time dedication and patience, something I am certainly learning on a daily basis in this post.

Albert was a fantastic servant to the league and certainly both Fred Allen and I would agree that we could never fill those shoes as subsequent referees' secretaries of the league.

Reluctantly the league lost Albert to the powers of MCFA where he became its youth referees' appointments officer, another huge role in which he was as successful as he had been in his previous post.

Despite the move Albert continued to keep a close eye on HYFL affairs where he was voted on as Vice President and attended every league and supplementary cup final to the end.

When I came into refereeing six years ago, Albert was the first person I had the pleasure of coming into contact with; he was always accommodating to my needs as a first year referee, he was there for me when I needed him and in the end I am proud to say we became good friends.

Roy Webber, a close friend, paid this personal tribute:

I first met Albert in 1987 when I joined Harrow Referees' Society. He introduced himself and asked if I would like to referee on the Harrow Youth League. It was in the early 1990s that I got to know him well, in particular when doing summer tournaments together. After a weekend of refereeing he would always take us to the pub and buy his mates a pint or two; Albert was a very generous and kind-hearted man.

In 1995 he organised a trip to the USA. Further trips to France and Belgium followed. Who can forget our weekend trips to Clacton, where Albert was so well liked? He will be sadly missed by many there.

Albert was a football man but he still found time to hold functions for the Royal British Legion poppy appeal. If it was for a good cause Albert was the first to offer money or his time. In all the years I have known him I never heard anyone have a bad word to say about him.

I would like to give my personal thanks to fellow referees Karen Sobey, Kevin Munday and AJ for all the help they gave Albert and Irene over the last few months: thanks guys.

Albert, it was my privilege to have you as a friend; you were a truly remarkable man. Your pain and suffering are over now. Have a good rest mate, we won't forget you. God bless; rest in peace.

The funeral is at the West Chapel at 2 p.m on Friday 14th March at:
Golders Green Crematorium, Hoop Lane, London NW11 7NL.
You will find a map at:
www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=525249&y=188006&z=0&sv=NW11+7NL

After the service please join us at a reception to celebrate Albert's life at:
The Spanish Arch Pub, Belmont Circle, Kenton Lane,Harrow, Middlesex, HA3 8RF.
You will find a map at:
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=516527&y=190509&z=0&sv=HA3+8RF

Instead of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to charities including Cancer Research and the Poppy Appeal in Albert's memory. Details to follow!

For any queries concerning the arrangements contact Kevin Munday on 07973 343552.