The Northland football community was saddened to learn of the loss of one of the game's longstanding identities when Mike Stather passed away suddenly from a suspected heart attack aged 59 on Sunday.
Northland Football Federation spokesman Terry Hobin noted the death was totally unexpected; only last Saturday, Mike hadreffed a Northland men's prem div match between Madhatters and Kamo. Mike was a long-serving president of Maunu Football Club, coached at junior and senior levels, was the referees' representative at the monthly clubs' meetings and, of course, one of the most active referees in the Northland area, said Hobin.
"Mike's passing will be a great loss to the Northland football community. To Tineke, their daughter Amy and son-in-law Mike, daughter Laura and son James and grandchildren, Riley and Georgie, as well as Mike's referee and football colleagues, our condolences to you all," said Terry.
Meanwhile, Maunu FC stablemate Bryn Hughes said Stather's passing came as a major shock to everyone, noting Mike will always be remembered as a selfless campaigner for the beautiful game, especially at junior level and particularly for someone whose own kids were no longer involved, having grown up.
"He'd do anything for the game. For the love of it," said Hughes.
Stather was very well known in the Far North and often travelled there to cover games in Kaitaia, Kaikohe, Taipa, Kawakawa and Kerikeri. He generally always attended the aftermatch functions, where he notably refused to be rattled by the cold reception given by some of the local game's more narrow-minded players whenever the outcome hadn't been in their side's favour.
Mike Stather's funeral will be held at 2pm this coming Monday at Barge Park, Maunu.
Kaitaia United will hold a minute's silence for Mike Stather before its Northland men's 1st division game at Taipa this Saturday (against Onerahi, 2.45pm kick off) as a mark of respect.
