Mr Frank Harvey – 10th November 1944 – 3rd February 2024
All at the Chippenham & Bath Football League were extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Life Member and League Treasurer Frank Harvey on Saturday 3rd February following a short illness.
Frank who was 79 years old was born in Northern Ireland where in his younger days he played Gaelic football, and he maintained an interest during his regular trips back to visit family and friends.
He qualified as a football referee while working in New Jersey in the United States.
On his return to England a chance meeting in the 80’s with the late Ken Clarke led to Frank joining the Sunday League as a referee in 1983. Along with the Chippenham League, Frank also officiated on the Wiltshire League, the Trowbridge & District League and he even officiated a number of FA Cup preliminary round matches.
Although still an active referee on the league, Frank took on the role of League Secretary in 2007 when replaced Terry Fallows, he held that position until 2018 before taking up the position of League Treasurer, a post he held until his sudden passing.
Frank’s knowledge, advice and knowledge will be missed by all those involved with the League and he will be sorely missed by the local football community, especially at Chippenham Town for whom he was a massive fan.
Frank was also an Honorary Member of the Wiltshire County FA an honour that was bestowed upon him in 2017, the same year that he was the joint recipient of the Gordon Blatchford Award for services to the League.
Our thoughts are with his wife Christine and his family and friends at this very sad time.
As a mark of respect the League observed a minute’s silence in memory of Frank before all matches on Sunday 4th February. A minute’s silence will also be held ahead of the Memorial Cup final in April.
Frank’s funeral has been arranged for Friday 16th February, 12.00 noon at St Partick’s Church, 30 Park Lane, Pickwick, Corsham, SN13 9LG. Please view the following link for full details https://www.dignityfunerals.co.uk/funeral-notices/03-02-2024-francis-william-harvey-obe-11/
The Family have asked that any donations in memory of Frank, should go to Dorothy House Hospice Care https://www.committedgiving.uk.net/DorothyHouse/public/?Method=CC&Amount=30