TRIBUTES have been paid to the former chairman of Wisbech Town Football Club and respected teacher George Campion, who died at his home in Clarkson Court, Wisbech, on Saturday, aged 75.

TRIBUTES have been paid to the former chairman of Wisbech Town Football Club and respected teacher George Campion, who died at his home in Clarkson Court, Wisbech, on Saturday, aged 75.

On social network sites George has been described as “a great source of common sense and wisdom,” a “lovely man,” and “a very patient and loving man.”

One tribute on Facebook said: “He is owed a great debt of gratitude by generations of Wisbech youngsters.”

George was born and brought up in Wisbech, and completed his National Service before attending Kesteven Teachers’ Training College.

His first job was at Queen’s School in Wisbech, and he taught at many other schools in the area, including Eastholm School in Peterborough, Leverington Primary School, St Audrey’s Convent School in Wisbech, and St Paul’s School in Gorefield.

Later in his career, George worked as a tutor for children who had been excluded from mainstream education, retiring two years ago. He also provided private tuition for youngsters aspiring to pass Spalding and Wisbech Grammar School entrance tests.

George married his wife June at St Mark’s Church in Friday Bridge in 1965. He leaves a widow, children, Christopher, Julie Mortimer and Stephen, grandchildren Jamie, Lorna and Megan, and great-grandson Alfie.

As well as being involved with Wisbech Town Football Club for many years, George was a former member of Thorney Parish Council and Leverington Parish Council.

His funeral takes place at St Mark’s Church, Friday Bridge, on August 21 at 11am, followed by committal at Fenland Crematorium at midday.

DURING Mr Campion’s tenure as chairman of Wisbech Town in 1995, the club was suspended from the Jewson (Eastern Counties) league - for failing to attend meetings to answer complaints about the lack of sandwiches and other hospitality for visiting teams and officials.

The league’s handbook insisted that complimentary teas should be provided before the match, at half time, and again at full time.

Wisbech was suspended for failing to provide the light refreshments and when officials twice failed to attend meetings to discuss the problem, the club was suspended.

Eventually the ban was lifted at a meeting in Diss of league officials at which Mr Campion was obliged to attend.

An undisclosed fine was imposed for missing the earlier meetings and the club given a suspended fine for neglect of their catering commitment.

After the meeting the chairman remarked: “We’ve had a fair hearing and we have been punished. Things will be better from now on.”