TRIBUTES have been paid to a man who made athletics his lifelong passion, after he passed away following a short illness.

Ron Odunaiya, 51, who grew up in Liverpool but lived in Wrexham, has been described by his wife Helen as a “larger than life character” who was “full of love, praise and enthusiasm”.

His sudden death, on Sunday, January 19, has left his family and friends in shock, with many praising the legacy he has left behind.

Described as an excellent long jumper and sprinter in his youth, Ron spent many happy hours supporting his three children, Amy (23), Alice (20) and Elliot (16) in their own athletic pursuits for Wrexham Athletics Club.

His wife Helen, said how the couple first met when they were 16, and spent the next 35 years together, 27 of them as man and wife.

She said: “Ron was a larger than life character, full of love, support, praise and enthusiasm. He loved seeing others succeed and would always make time to help anyone.

“He was a family man and immensely proud of his three children and all that they did.

“All three children were chosen to represent Wales and Ron was their biggest fan. Ron supported them in all that they did, whether it was sporting, academic or just getting through life.

“He was a role model and mentor.”

Mr Odunaiya took his passion for athletics into his adult, working life, with his first job being with the Sports Council for Wales.

He worked his way up the ladder with various roles in local authorities, with his last job being the Director of Community Services for Liverpool City Council, one that he particularly loved.

Mrs Odunaiya went on: “Ron worked tirelessly to promote the city of Liverpool and to tackle inequality.

“He played a major role in bringing the Netball World Cup to Liverpool last summer, and has successfully set in place Liverpool hosting the Special Olympic Games in 2021 and the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in 2022. A sporting legacy to be proud of.

“He was taken from us too quickly and too young. Ron is leaving a huge hole in the hearts of his family, and friends.”

Wrexham Athletics Club coach and long term friend Ian Robinson said: “His friendliness, advice, kindness and support to those around him was appreciated by everyone who came into contact with him.

“He was an active supporter of Wrexham Athletics Club, where his children have all competed.

He said, “I just want everyone to be successful” and he did what he could to make this possible.”

Mr Odunaiya was also an active member of the Board of Welsh Athletics and chaired its Annual General Meeting in 2018. He was an ever-present at most Senior and Junior Championships, with all three of his children competing for Wales in recent years.

Steve Perks, chair of Welsh Athletics said: “It is with great sadness that we have lost such a wonderful servant to the Board of Directors and to Welsh Athletics.

“Ron was an outstanding member of the Board, his advice was eagerly sought and freely given. He wanted the best for all athletes, officials and volunteers, he was supportive yet at the same time was more than ready to ask the awkward questions.

“Ron was the utmost professional in everything that he did, he had excellent personal qualities and was able to communicate with all the relevant aspects within the sport. Without a doubt, he will be sorely missed. The news of his sudden passing leaves us all in shock and our thoughts are with his family at this dreadful time.”

Due to his strong and passionate connections to Wrexham Athletics Club, the family are not asking for flowers, but for donations to be made to club in his memory. His funeral will take place on Tuesday, February 4 at 10.30am at Pentrebychan Crematorium, Rhostyllen.