Ronnie Stinson (1950-2021)
A faithful clubman , a dedicated volunteer, a quiet, genuine and unassuming gentleman, just some of the accolades attributed to our late Chairman, Ronnie Stinson.
Ronnie fought a long battle with illness but his passing came as a shock to us all when we received the sad news at halftime in the match against Crusaders on Tuesday evening (26th January).
A faithful clubman and dedicated volunteer aptly sums up his selfless contribution to Portadown FC. In the early 1990’s he set up a very successful club shop at the back of the flagpole corner terracing. His commercial drive was a vital contribution to the club during the 1990’s.
An honorary member of the Eden Reds supporters club, he most certainly was a man of the people involving fans in all sorts of fundraising activities. As a businessman in the town he never shied from sponsoring football teams and sports clubs around the town.
Ronnie was appointed to the board of directors in 1997, a position he held until 2004.
In 2011 Ronnie returned to the boardroom and was subsequently appointed Chairman in 2017 at a time of great uncertainty within the club. Under his leadership the board set about healing the wounds that had inflicted a sleeping giant. Through hard work and perseverance he united club and supporters, taking the club back to the Premiership. He took a great interest in the youth and ladies football and through his influence he united Portadown Youth and Portadown Ladies with the senior team.
Portadown FC is in a much better place now thanks to Ronnie’s drive and determination and he will be sadly missed.
We send our sincere condolences to all the family circle at this sad time.
Ronnie’s funeral will be held on Saturday morning (30 Jan) stopping at Gary’s Bar at 10:45am and then Shamrock Park at 11am before a private service at Milne Funeral Services at Seagoe at noon.