Tributes have been paid to a 'one-of-a-kind' Coventry businessman who died on Friday, August 11. Geoff Harris passed away at the age of 77.
Geoff was well-known for his hard-working nature and spent nearly four decades running Coventry Plumbing and Heating Supplies. He also founded Coventry Sporting and Kenilworth Sporting FC Ground.
Geoff helped hundreds of children participate in sporting activities in Coventry and Warwickshire. He was said to have 'touched the lives of many.'
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Son Andy Harris told CoventryLive: “He started Coventry Plumbing about 40 years ago, and he has always been into football. He was a football player, then he was a referee, but he got a little bit older and could not play anymore. He still liked football so he helped to bring football to kids in Coventry.”
Andy, 47, added: “He is a genuine person that enjoyed making sure people have things to do in the area and that is what he really wanted. I suppose he wanted to give something back to the community. His legacy is to let children play football and enjoy football.”
Remembering Geoff, Andy said: “He was great, he touched so many people and helped everyone. He carried on full steam ahead until the very end. We thought he was invincible. He was one-of-kind and such a character.”
A spokesman for Kenilworth Sporting FC Ground said on Monday: “Sadly we have to announce the passing of Geoff. Geoff has a long history in football, starting out as a player and then becoming a referee. More recently he created football clubs Kenilworth Sporting Juniors and Kenilworth Sporting.”
Tributes poured in for the 'one-of-kind character' on Facebook. Pete Taylor said: “I am so proud to call him my friend. He did so much for so many people. RIP Geoff.”
Phil Thomas wrote: “I am so sorry to hear this sad news. Geoff was a legend and will be sadly missed by family and friends.”
Margery Ann McDougall said: “I am so sorry to hear this. RIP Geoff. Condolences to the family.” Sophie Wood wrote: “Such sad news, thoughts are with the family.”
Drinks for Geoff Harris will be held at Kenilworth Sporting FC Ground on Gispsy Lane from 5pm to 7pm on Friday, August 18.
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