New Zealand Football is saddened to learn of the passing of respected administrator Jock Irvine, who was a former Chairman of both New Zealand Football and the Auckland Football Federation.

A long-time servant of the game, he also acted as a committee member of the Oceania Football Confederation.

During his time as New Zealand Football Chairman, he was instrumental in bringing the FIFA U-17 World Cup to the country in 1999 – the first time New Zealand had ever hosted a FIFA tournament.

He was President of the then Auckland Football Association from 1986 to 1988 and Patron for ten years from 1988. 

In 1990, he became a Vice-President of the then New Zealand Football Association (NZFA) and was named Chairman of the NZFA Council in 1995, serving in that role for three years. 

Before entering administration, he played football for the old Auckland University club in his younger years. 

“He had a long history in the game and was renowned for his honesty, integrity and fairness,” says Bob Patterson, current Chairman of Auckland Football.

“He was a good person and I’m proud to have known him.”

Away from football, Jock was a loved and cherished husband of the late Lorraine and partner of Faye Sumner.

He was also a treasured and greatly-loved father to Helen and Lawrie Morton, Diana and Patrick Foote, Jane and Andrew Matthews and Sarah and Jonathan Woodhams.

He was a proud and adoring grandfather to Dougie, Angus, Archie Jock, Ben, Isla, Sam, Joey, Charlie, Jack, Fergus, Lucy and Max.

A service for Jock will be held at 11am on Thursday 4 April at St Mary's-in-Holy Trinity, Parnell.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations to The Lloyd Morgan Lions Clubs Charitable Trust c/ Sibuns P.O. Box 87-233, Meadowbank.

Article added: Wednesday 03 April 2019