Sadness at passing of Club President

Stanley has a 60 year association with Lisburn Rangers FC having been involved in the club in just about every capacity possible, from player to manager, groundsman to Chairman and every other role in between, with many of these carried out at the same time.

Stanley was also a key figure within the Northern Amateur League’s Management Committee and presently held the honorary position of a Life Member, with his contribution to local football being deservedly recognised with him being awarded the MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours of 2016.

A spokesperson for Lisburn Rangers said: “Stanley’s association with our club is known right across amateur football and there was no better ambassador for our club, or for the local game, than this great man.

“Everyone who met Stanley, respected him, and for those of us who got to know him well, he was a true inspiration to what being part of a club meant.

“His passion and love for the grassroots game was infectious, which is why many of us have tried to follow his lead and keep the game alive at this level and we will always walk in his shadow as we strive to do so.

“The vast majority of us currently involved in running the club do so as a result of meeting, then working with Stanley.

“His desire, passion and love of the club had an infectious impact on all of us and we will continue to strive to sustain and grow the club in his memory.

“In the past Stanley single-handedly kept our club alive and saved us from disappearing with his own money, sweat and effort - but through it all, his love of the club shone through and therefore it is no coincidence that our home ground is called Stanley Park....hopefully a fitting and lasting tribute to the legacy of this great man.

“Of course our loss is secondary to that of his loving family and our deepest sympathies go out to his wife Joyce, his children Angela, Ian and Maurice and to his grandchildren and the wider family circle.

“We hope they draw strength from their memories of Stanley the husband, father and grandfather and for us, we will always remember him as a friend, a mentor, a leader and an inspiration....rest in peace our dear friend.”

Clubs across the city also paid tribute to the Lisburn Rangers stalwart.

Ballymacash Rangers Football Club said: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Lisburn Rangers FC Club President Mr Stanley Coulter MBE.

“Thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and all involved at Lisburn Rangers FC.”

Lisburn Distillery also paid their respects, saying: “Lisburn Distillery FC would wish to extend our condolences to our good friends at Lisburn Rangers FC on the passing of club president Stanley Coulter MBE.

“Our thoughts go out to not only everyone at Lisburn Rangers but also Stanley’s family circle at this time.”

Crewe United Football Club also expressed their sympathies, saying: “Everyone at Crewe sends our deepest sympathy to the family of Stanley Coulter and to everyone at Lisburn Rangers FC at his sad passing. A true football person and ambassador for the sport.”

Mr Coulter’s funeral was held at First Lisburn Presbyterian Church on April 13. He was the beloved husband of Joyce much loved and loving father to Ian, Maurice and Angela, dear father-in-law of Kathryn, Alison and David (Lewis). Proud Granda to Emily, David and Abbie, Emma and Ruth.