TRIBUTES have poured in for a popular referee and charity worker who died of a stroke this week.

Jack Cunningham, who was the president of the Preston Referees' Society, had a stroke on Friday, September 27, and died a week later in hospital on Sunday, October 6.

The 62-year-old retired financial advisor's death has saddened the footballing world and his friends and family, who also know him as a champion of charity work.

Jack, who was married to Jean, had three sons, Anthony, Neil and Michael.

Heartbroken Jean said: "We're having ups and downs, but we've just got to put a brave face on it for Jack.

"He had the attack the day after our 38th anniversary. It's a long time to be married, but not with Jack."

As a referee Jack officiated over games in all the local leagues -- from the West Lancashire League to the former Northern Premier League.

Friends say his crowning glory was being picked as a reserve linesman in a 1980s FA Cup final.

Eamonn McNamara, chairman of the Sunday Football League, who refereed with Jack for 18 years, said he would be well remembered in the cut-throat world.

He said: "In refereeing when you're in a fairly high profile position it's easy to get jealousy and vanity coming into play but I never heard that about Jack.

"Everybody though that Jack was such a great guy."

Sunday League teams across Preston were holding a minute's silence to remember Jack, but friends say he was also a shining light in the charity world, and never boasted about his work.

Jack was a member of the St Teresa's Conference of the St Vincent de Paul Society for 15 years, and president for the last two years.

St Vincent de Paul is a national Catholic society who work to help people less fortunate.

Peter Reed, Leyland district president, said: "Jack spent many an hour visiting the sick, elderly and housebound as a member of the St Teresa's Conference of the St Vincent de Paul Society.

"He will be sorely missed by those people."

Jack's funeral was held on Thursday St Teresa's Church, Penwortham, at 11am.