By Aston
August 10 2006

Town Vice President and former director Harold Smith was found dead in home yesterday aged 89.

Harold had been following Town for over 80 years, 31 of which were spent on the board of directors before stepping down in 1995 and becoming the clubs Vice President.

 

As well as being on the board Harold was once chairman of the Ipswich Town Supporters' Association, Suffolk's representative on the FA Council and chairman of the FA's Disciplinary Committee for more than 10 years.

 

Town Chairman David Sheepshanks: “He was the last surviving member of the 'infamous' Cobbold era.

 

“He served diligently as a director with immense pride and dignity from 1964 to 1995, when he voluntarily stood down and was made Vice President for life.

 

“A man of integrity and honour, Harold was an avid supporter of this Club since the 1920s and rarely missed a match - regularly attending reserve team and youth games until his death.

 

“As a young director joining the Board in 1987, I remember Harold as a most distinguished member of the Football Association, where he represented the Suffolk FA and served on the National Disciplinary Committee.

 

“Harold will be sorely missed. One of my most heart-warming memories I have of him was seeing him enjoying reminiscing with Sir Bobby Robson over lunch before last weekend's game against Crystal Palace.

 

“Our deepest sympathies and condolences are with his family and friends at this sad time.”

 

Source: Ipswich Town – the official website

 

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