Everton owner Farhad Moshiri has paid a heartwarming tribute to chairman Bill Kenwright.
The club's long serving board member has passed away after complications from surgery.
Moshiri, who is in the process of selling the Goodison Park club, hailed the impact of Kenwright on the club he grew up supporting.
I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of my great friend Bill," he told Everton's website.
Bill was a force of nature and he certainly changed my life nearly ten years ago when he first spoke to me about getting involved with the club he adored.
He told me about this incredible club, a club that not only has history and heritage but was also a beating heart of our community and for that I will always be grateful.
He was very persuasive and I invested both into that football club, and also into becoming part of it and joining a new family.
There can be no mistaking that Bill loved Everton Football Club. He spoke with an infectious enthusiasm about every aspect of Everton, from the legends of yesteryear to his unconditional support for everyone that wears the Blue shirt and represents the club."