Bradford City FC Community Foundation pays tribute to Roger Owen, Trustee

Bradford City FC Community Foundation is mourning the loss of Roger Owen, associate director of the club and trustee of the Foundation for almost two decades.

In his role as trustee, Roger provided invaluable support, expertise and advice across every level of the Foundation, acting as the board of trustees’ Health and Safety and Governance lead. The board of trustees oversees the charity’s activities, resources, governance and benefit to the people of Bradford. As one of eight trustees, Roger had a substantial and consistent influence on both the daily running of the organisation and its direction, place and purpose in the city.

Ian Ormondroyd, Foundation CEO, said: “Everyone involved with the Foundation is saddened by Roger’s passing. He was integral in supporting our organisation and our work as a member of our board of trustees, ever since we became the club’s official charity in 2007. Roger always made time, offered his expertise, and supported our community work in his role as a trustee. His dedication to the club and the Bradford community was incredible, and he constantly promoted the work we do at the Foundation. We send our condolences to Roger’s wife, Lena, his sons Glen and Jason, and all of his family and friends. He will be sadly missed.”

A lifelong City fan, Roger became a key connective thread between the Foundation and matters on the pitch, acting as an advocate and ambassador for the organisation wherever he followed the Bantams, which he did home and away.

Lizzie Saunderson-Trowell, the Foundation's Chief Operating Officer, said: "We are all incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of one of our longest-standing trustees. Roger was a force to be reckoned with, and the legacy he helped build with Morrisons is nothing short of remarkable. His dedication to Bradford City is to be admired, and he was a key part of the growth and success of the Foundation. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to learn from such an inspirational person and will be forever grateful for the personal support he gave me. In your career, there are some people you never forget — Roger will always be one of those people for me. My deepest condolences go out to his wife and family. Roger, to us and to Bradford City, you will always be a legend. Our boardroom will never be the same."

From everyone at the Bradford City FC Community Foundation: rest in peace, Roger Owen.