Jonathan Waite, Tottenham’s Head of Supporter Services, tragically passed away at the age of 48, leaving behind his wife and his two children. His death has shocked the fanbase and wider community, as Jonathan was beloved by many and was credited with bringing supporters together. He will leave big shoes to fill.
Vital Villa editor Jonathan Fear talked to Villa’s Fan Liason Lee Preece who was deeply saddened and shocked by the news. It was clear in that conversation that Lee held Jonathan in the highest of regards.
Just spoke with the @AVFCOfficial Fan Liason Lee Preece and he said what a tragedy it was, that Jonathan had worked tirelessly for Spurs fans &what a great loss to football he will be. He couldn’t state enough what an amazing man he was and passed on his condolences and respect.
— Vital Villa (@VitalVilla) 19 November 2018
Lee said: “What a tragic loss to football it is. The awful thing is after all the hard work he would have put in to liaising with fans over the stadium move, the ever-committed Spurs man wouldn’t get to see the new stadium. I can’t state enough what a fantastic bloke he was, forever working for the Spurs fans.”
Tottenham released a statement on their official club website, which read: “It is with a heavy heart that we report the sad news that our dear colleague, Jonathan, passed away suddenly this morning. Our thoughts are with Katie and Jonathan’s two children Alex and Emma at this impossibly sad time.”
Spurs described Jonathan as a ‘hugely popular figure’ who was highly-regarded among rival support. His work led to him being named Supporter Liaison Officer of the Year at the 2016 FSF Awards. Tributes have poured in on social media, showcasing just how many lives he touched.
Very well put, a true gent who will be sadly missed. #CSWY
— Suraj Sharma ???????? (@Suraj_Sharma) November 19, 2018
Such lovely words, thank you for sharing them with us. x #CSWY
— Simon Gray ????️???? (@simoncgray) November 19, 2018
Brilliantly written for a brilliant man xx
— Laura Oakley (@lauraoakley81) November 19, 2018
Beautiful words. Jonathan will be missed terribly at QPR too. Xx everyone here that knew him is absolutely shocked and devastated at the news of him passing away. They say the good die young well that is so true with Jonathan he was such a kind lovely man. RIP Jonathan. Xx
— Julie Bishop (@Juliebishopqpr) November 20, 2018
Had the pleasure of interacting with Jonathan on a few occasions. Can’t praise him highly enough. He did indeed “get it”. A very sad loss for the club. Condolences to his family. Awful news. And a fitting tribute from the Trust.
— Vass Koni (@vkon1) November 19, 2018
You can tell how much someone means when there are so many tributes like these. Thoughts of all at SOS are with you all, and importantly Jonathan’s family and friend
— Jay McKenna (@JayMcKenna87) November 19, 2018
Kat Law and Martin Cloake, co-chairs of the Tottenham Supporters’ Trust, wrote 500 words on Jonathan, explaining just how much he meant to them and the community. In their obituary, they described how the family man made time for everyone and was ‘impossible not to like’.
There’s sure to be a tribute planned for Jonathan against Chelsea on November 24. Supporters will almost certainly sing his name at Wembley, but it would be a fantastic touch by Tottenham to pay their respects by inviting the family for a pre-match celebration of Jonathan’s life.
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