Arsenal have confirmed the death of life president Ken Friar at the age of 92. Friar gave 70 years of service to the club before being appointed life president in 2020 following his departure from his role as executive director.
In a tribute posted on the club's website, Arsenal said: "Since our formation in 1886, there have been many inspirational individuals who have driven our club forward, but no one has had an influence on Arsenal Football Club quite like 'Mr Friar' and he leaves an extraordinary life of service to the club as his legacy. One that will surely never be matched. Rest in peace."
The story of how Friar joined Arsenal is part of Gunners folklore. In 1945, he accidentally kicked a ball beneath a parked car belonging to Arsenal manager George Allison, according to The Mirror. The young Friar's enthusiasm caught Allison's attention, earning him a job as a runner in the club's box office.
Having begun full-time employment in 1950, the Islington-born administrator rose to become Arsenal's secretary in 1973 and later the club's managing director. After 23 years in that role, Friar switched positions in 2000 to lead Arsenal's move from Highbury to their new stadium.
His legacy lives on at the Emirates through The Ken Friar Bridge, which features a statue depicting him as a young footballer before his famous encounter with Allison. Friar received an OBE for services to football in 2000 and was also granted the Freedom of the Borough of Islington.
He married Gwendoline in 1957, and the couple became grandparents. Gwendoline died aged 88 in December 2020 following a battle with pancreatic cancer. Despite moving to a non-executive role that same year, Friar continued to arrive early for matchdays at the Emirates to deal with various club matters.
As a supporter, Friar witnessed 11 title victories, including seeing Arsenal end their 22-year wait to win the Premier League once more in May.
Arsenal added: "He will never be forgotten by all those who knew him, be they players who he meticulously talked through a contract, members of the local council who he quietly but persuasively explained the club's value to the Borough, staff members who delighted in hearing his treasure trove of stories gleaned over many decades but most of all his family and close friends, who loved him for the kind, generous, wonderful father, grandad or friend that he was."
