SUFFOLK FA Honorary Life Vice President Brian Gower has passed away at the age of 79.

Brian was best-known for spending 30 years as the driving force of Bungay Town FC.

His first involvement in the administrative side of the game came in 1967 as Secretary and Treasurer of Ellingham FC.

Four years later Brian started running youth teams at Kings Road Rangers FC in Bungay after his youngest son began playing for the club.

Brian joined Bungay Town FC in 1980 and ran the club’s three Saturday sides while wife Colleen washed all the 'A' team kit every Saturday night and also helped in the tea hut whenever needed. The club opened a licensed bar and Colleen helped run that, as well as preparing hospitality food for all teams each Saturday.

It was during his time with Bungay Town FC that he first became a Suffolk FA Council Member, in 1988-89 as the representative for the club. Although Brian stepped down as Secretary of Bungay Town FC in 2010 having spent 28 years in the role, he remained as a Suffolk FA Council Member where he became a Life Member and Honorary Life Vice President. Brian also served as a Discipline Commissioner for Suffolk FA.

As well as continuing to serve as a Suffolk FA Council Member, Brian’s later involvement with local football was as a Committee Member for the Lowestoft & District Football League, the Norfolk & Suffolk Youth Football League and the Anglian Combination Football League.

Brian (right) is pictured above presenting the Suffolk Sunday Shield to Bungay Town following their 3-0 victory over Carlton United at Kirkley & Pakefield FC in April 2014.

Suffolk FA Chief Executive Richard Neal said: “Throughout Brian’s distinguished and varied involvement in the game, he was lovingly supported by his wife Colleen and they formed a tour-de-force of a partnership!

“As an example, in 1979 they spearheaded the raising of £3,000 to take 23 players aged 13 and 14 to North and South Carolina for three weeks of football during the Easter Holidays – that’s the equivalent of £14,000+ today!

“Brian dedicated huge amounts of personal time and energy to bettering the local game, particularly in North Suffolk. He did this never for any personal gain or recognition, but because he believed in the power of football to bring joy to people’s lives, regardless of their age or ability. He was recognised for this selfless service to the game with a FA 50-Year Service Award, which he accepted with his usual humility and lack of fuss.

“But above all, Brian was the loveliest person you will ever meet. Genuine, kind, modest, respectful, funny, cheerful, brave, determined…. your life was richer when you spent any time in Brian’s company.

“I last saw him a few months ago when I visited him in Chevington Lodge in Bungay, and although he was dealing with both Parkinsons and Dementia his interest in the local game was as bright as ever as we discussed all aspects of football in North Suffolk and beyond. I deeply regret not seeing him again.

“Our thoughts and condolences go to all of Brian’s family and friends, particularly Colleen and his two children Al and Mark and their families. Suffolk football mourns the passing of a super-man of the local game, and we will be asking that this significant loss to the Suffolk football family is recognised at forthcoming Suffolk FA matches.”

Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.