By Victor Kanayo
The Chairman of Everton, Bill Kenwright, has been confirmed dead at 78.
His death, according to his family, was after he had a surgery due to cancer that entangled his liver.
Confirming Kenwright’s demise via its website, Everton wrote, “The club has lost a chairman, a leader, a friend, and an inspiration. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Everton are with his partner Jenny Seagrove, his daughter Lucy Kenwright, grandchildren and everybody who knew and loved him.”
A condolence statement by family also reads, “Bill was driven by his passions and devoted his life to them; his deep love of theatre, film, music and his beloved Everton, and the families they created.
“He impacted the lives of thousands, whether that be through the launching of careers or his unending loyalty, generosity and unfaltering friendship and support.
“We will remember him with huge love and admiration – the shows will of course go on, as he would have wished, and his towering legacy will continue.”
He had been on the board at Everton since 1989, taking over as chairman at Goodison Park in 2004.
Kenwright spent 19 seasons as Everton chairman, overseeing 12 finishes inside the Premier League top eight, including fourth place in 2005, while the Merseyside club were also FA Cup finalists in 2009.
Already, tributes from his players and former players including Wayne Rooney have started rolling in.
