TRIBUTES have been paid to a former international referee and football club president.
Gwyn Pierce Owen, 85, died on July 31, leaving behind his legacy of having been a respected FIFA referee and Bangor City FC president.
Known by many as "GPO", Mr Owen was known throughout North Wales for his role with The Citizens and was a lifelong supporter of the club.
On his 80th birthday in 2014, the main stand at the club's Nantporth ground was named in his honour - paying him back for his 70 years of service and support towards the club.
Mr Owen was also a football league official in the 1970's and 80's and took charge of several international and European fixtures too.
"GPO" officiating a match between Bangor City and Liverpool. PICTURE: Bangor City FC
Following the news of his death, several clubs took to their respective social media pages to pay tribute to Mr Owen and others held a minutes silence before friendly matches.
Paying tribute to him on Twitter, the Bangor City FC Supporters Association said: "Words cannot express our sorrow at the loss of Gwyn Pierce Owen.
"Suffice to say the warm words expressed on Twitter are a testament to the esteem in which GPO is held. If ever a person represented a football club, it was GPO.
The Football Association of Wales added: "Everyone at the FAW is sad to learn about the passing of Gwyn Pierce Owen - a man synonymous with domestic football in Wales. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time."
Anglesey League President Dennis Bryant said: "The Anglesey League is saddened to hear of the passing of one of our own Gwyn Pierce Owen.
"Gwyn had been a very active life member of the League for many years and his input and advice was most valuable to all concerned. Our condolences go to his wife Joyce and family."
"GPO" with former Bangor City player Michael Johnston. PICTURE: Bangor City FC
Former Bangor City coach Kevin Nicholson also paid tribute saying: "Very sad to hear the news about Gwyn Pierce Owen.
"A lovely man who made me feel very welcome when I joined Bangor City FC and was always very supportive during my time at the club."
Mr Owen's family say the support shown following his death has been "overwhelming".
His grandson Iolo, 23, said: "I just want to say a big thank you more than anything for the hundreds of messages received. It's so nice to see how many people loved Taid and were friends with him.
"He's been an amazing Taid to me, as well as an amazing father and husband to others in the family."
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