The news of Richard Stagno Navarra's sudden passing away left me cold and deeply saddened. He felt ill after attending the Malta Football Referees Association's AGM, which he had been conducting for a good number of years. He was 66 years old.

I came to know "Dickie", as he was affectionately known to friends and acquaintances, when he was introduced to us, referees, as one of the prospective officials, having been successful in the relative examination. His zeal and personality put him in good stead and he became one of our foremost officials within a few seasons. So much so that he was nominated to FIFA's Panel of International Referees, thus becoming the youngest local referee to earn the FIFA Badge. He continued to progress well, within FIFA and UEFA, but had to cut a brilliant career short due to an injury.

However, that did not deter Richard from continuing to extend his valuable contribution to the game till the very last. He was one of the initial general managers of the Ta' Qali Stadium and the MFA's PRO for a number of years during the 1990s. It was the refereeing sector that remained closest to his heart. He was a member of the Referees Board as well as Referees' Match Inspector and Instructor. He was always at hand to help and give advice, especially to up and coming officials.

He was also a popular sports journalist and his features and reports on the laws of the game and related topics appeared regularly on the media. Mr Stagno Navarra was a true gentleman and a sportsman. People of his ilk are hard to come by. He will surely be missed. My condolences go to all his family and next of kin.

May God grant him eternal life.

Mass praesente cadavere will be said at the Balzan Parish Church, today at 8.30 a.m.