It is with great sadness that we must report the recent passing of Eddie Dowber, former President of Hertfordshire FA

Eddie had a lifelong love of football, from growing up in Liverpool and playing in his school days before turning his attention to refereeing whilst serving in the Army, the game was something he was keenly involved in wherever he went.

He later moved south where he continued his refereeing career for a number of years, before getting involved with the administrative side of the game. In 1972 Eddie joined Smith & Nephew Football Club upon its formation, taking the position of Secretary and eleven years later Eddie was appointed Chairman until the club disbanded in 2012.

Eddie also became an Officer of the Welwyn Hatfield Sunday Football League in 1973 and served the League in numerous positions, including as General Secretary before being appointed Chairman in 1983 and then President in 1988.

In 1983 he was also elected to the Hertfordshire FA Council, the start of decades of service with the Association which would culminate in him becoming our President from 2012-14. Despite the challenges of his advancing years, Eddie’s passion for football never dimmed and he continued to be actively involved with the governance of the game well into his eighties.

Karl Lingham, CEO of Hertfordshire FA said:

“Eddie was a great advocate of grassroots football and his devotion to the sport he loved was clear for all to see. This was reflected in the hard work and enthusiasm he brought to each of the many positions he held at Hertfordshire FA and across the local game. He will be sadly missed.”

Graham Phillips, Chair of Hertfordshire FA said:

“We are deeply saddened to hear of Eddie’s passing. His unwavering commitment to expand and improve the game made a significant contribution to Hertfordshire football over a great many years and the impact of his efforts will continue to be felt for a long time to come.”

Everyone at Hertfordshire FA sends their sincere condolences to his family and friends and our thoughts are with them at this most difficult time.

Funeral Arrangements

For those that would like to pay their respects, Eddie’s funeral will take place at 12:30pm on Wednesday 13^th July at Harwood Park Crematorium, Stevenage.

This will be followed by an event at The County Ground in Letchworth and the family have indicated that all are welcome to attend and share their memories of Eddie.

They have requested that only family bring flowers to the funeral and that others are invited to make a donation in Eddie’s honour to either the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association or The Gurkha Welfare Trust.