COMMUNITY man Cyril Edwards died from cancer on Monday, June 10.

Mr Edwards was well-known in South Oxhey, where he lived, having run football teams at the community centre for 20 years.

In 1959, the life-long Arsenal supporter set up an under-12's football team and, as his players got older, he set up an under16's team as well.

They were called Soca, the South Oxhey Community Association.

Mr Edwards' daughter, Mrs Michelle Tibble, said: "He was proud of them, they were his boys. He never had a son."

His other daughter, Mrs Jackie Healey, said: "He always said everyone was put on this earth for a reason and that was his reason, to help the community."

Mr Edwards was born in West Kensington in 1927, and moved to Rawston Way in South Oxhey in 1954.

His wife, Pam, still lives at the house. The couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary last year.

The former lorry driver was diagnosed with cancer in October last year, having overcome a brain tumour more than 20 years ago.

He worked at Humphreys Removals in Watford for ten years, before his illness forced him to retire in 1979.

His daughters described him as a patient and supportive man.

Mrs Tibble said: "He never went out drinking or anything, he was a proper family man. He never judged us for doing wrong."

Mr Edwards moved into Windmill House in Bushey in November 2001.

According to his two children, the quiet caring man would lift other patients.

Mrs Tibble said: "It's a great loss for them because they got quite attached to him."

Even at the height of his illness, the keen football spectator watched his grandson, Christopher Healey, play football for the Bushey Rangers.

Mrs Tibble said: "He smiled right up to the end. He kept happy. He never let things get him down."

Mr Edwards' funeral was held on Friday, June 14, at Breakspear Crematorium in Ruislip. Donations should be made to the Cancer Research Campaign.

June 14, 2002 17:30