WARM tributes have been paid to the secretary of Prestatyn Athletic Junior Football Club (PAJFC) after his death earlier this week.

Ian Price died on Monday, October 3 aged 57, having been diagnosed with cancer in June.

His association with PAJFC, of which he was a founding member, lasted 26 years, and his life will be celebrated by a minute’s applause at all Rhyl and District Youth and Junior Football League matches this weekend.

Sue Beattie, Ian’s long-term partner, described Ian as an “absolute saint of football”.

She said: “It was all so sudden; he was only diagnosed with lung cancer in June, and in a few months, he was gone.

“Together, he and I would spend our weekends down on the Morfas (pitches), feeding everyone bacon butties and cups of tea while the children played their games.

“He would selflessly spend hours making sure new managers knew what to do and helped them settle into the club; nobody had a bad word to say about him.

“He has helped my boys many times and guided them through their football careers, for which I will always be grateful.

“He was an absolute saint of football and will be irreplaceable to me and PAJFC.”

A staunch Liverpool supporter, Ian also followed the club everywhere for years, including at Champions League finals across Europe.

PAJFC chairman Peter Leach, who met Ian through the club more than 20 years ago, paid tribute to a dear friend of his.

Peter said: “He did so much – he’d always answer his phone, and he was very, very passionate. If there was a cause, he’d fight for it tooth and nail. He was very reliable.

“He was the cornerstone of the club; he made it into a family club. He was just amazing, and had so much knowledge about junior football.

“I would support him, and he would support me. We worked really well together. We didn’t agree on everything, but respected each other’s opinion and never fell out.

“I can’t not picture him being stood there in the kitchen area, with his cup of tea with two sugars in his hand, and his leather jacket and long hair.

“He was just so well-respected throughout the community; nothing was too much trouble for him. He’d put things on hold in his own life to go and help others.

“He was there for everybody; he was irreplaceable.”

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Peter was moved to tears when he heard of Ian’s death on Monday, but was glad to have spent time with him the previous day, and believes this weekend’s tribute will be a fitting gesture.

He added: “Ian didn’t like minute’s silences, so we’ve chosen to do applauses at all the games this Saturday and Sunday in the Rhyl and District Youth and Junior League, and some of the senior teams are, as well.

“It was horrible (news); he’s going to be a massive loss. I spent a few hours on Sunday with him, which I’m so glad I did.

“On that day, he had plenty of visitors; as one was going out, another was coming in. He and Sue were a good double act. He was so well-respected.”

Ian’s daughter, Bridie, also celebrated her father’s life, remembering in particular just how caring and helpful she knew him to be.

Bridie said: “Dad was loved by so many people; he's going to be greatly missed.

“He helped us so much with everything and anything - whether family, friends, or complete strangers, he wouldn't hesitate to lend a helping hand.

“Us kids loved him more than anything. We'd like to thank Sue for the 13 years of happiness and love she gave to him; she's been a superstar throughout.

“Love you, dad, we'll miss you so much.”

Other junior football clubs in Denbighshire also made their own tributes to Ian following his death.

Rhuddlan Dragons JFC said: “Everyone at Rhuddlan Dragons JFC would like to express our deepest sympathy and thoughts to everyone involved with PAJFC upon hearing the very sad news that their secretary (and a lot more) has sadly passed away.

“Prestatyn Athletic’s ‘main man’ was all about the kids, and letting them play football in a great environment, within a great setup.

“From all of us at Rhuddlan, RIP, Ian Price.”

Denbigh Town Football Club Juniors added: “We are saddened to hear the news of the passing of Prestatyn Athletic's Ian Price, a man who was hugely committed to grassroots football and Prestatyn Athletic Juniors.

“Our thoughts are with his family and everyone at the club.”

Ian’s funeral will be held on Tuesday, October 25 at the Morfas, Prestatyn at 11am, followed by a service at Coed Bell Cemetery, Gronant at 12.30pm, and then a reception at Prestatyn Constitutional Club.