Hibernian today announced that their Executive Chairman and majority shareholder, Ron Gordon, has passed away aged 68.
Gordon informed Hibs supporters earlier this month that he had been undergoing treatment for cancer for the last year.
Ben Kensell, Chief Executive of the club, said [Hibs FC]: “Everyone at the Club is deeply saddened at the news. Our thoughts are with Ron’s wife Kit, his sons Ian and Colin, and the rest of the Gordon family. Ron may have been our chairman and owner, but he was first and foremost a devoted family man with a close and loving family. We would ask that at this difficult time, the family’s privacy is respected as they mourn their loss.”
Gordon had become a high-profile figure in Scottish football, not just because of his status at Hibs, but also because he regularly engaged with media, his club’s fan media and spoke up on issues such as the game’s commercial worth in the modern era.
He took charge in 2019 and believed in a long-term vision for Hibs. The club say that his family remain committed to his plans for the Easter Road side, with more communication to come at their AGM in March.
Celtic sent a message of support to their Scottish Premiership counterparts on social media, stating: “Everyone at Celtic Football Club would like to share our sincere condolences. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the Club are with Ron’s family, friends and everyone at Hibernian FC at this extremely sad time. RIP, Ron.”
Meanwhile, SPFL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster said [SPFL]: “Everyone at the SPFL is shocked at this devastating news. Ron was one of the most decent, hard-working, straightforward and enthusiastic figures in our game.
“It was clear that Hibs very quickly became far, far more than a business venture for Ron – his obvious pride in being its custodian and his unstinting dedication to the club were the clearest evidence of how much he loved being involved in Hibernian FC.
“In only a few years, he benefitted Scottish football more widely as he gave selflessly of his time and his very considerable array of talents. On a personal level, the superb work he did to help drive forward the SPFL Strategy Review was of enormous benefit. He will be very sadly missed across the entire game.”
The thoughts of everyone here, and I’m sure plenty of Celtic supporters, are with Ron’s family and friends.
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