Tributes have been pouring in to "Pillar of Suffolk" John Kerr who helped to guide two of the county's best-loved features through choppy waters into the 21st Century.
Mr Kerr was chairman of Ipswich Town from 1991-1995, the first person from outside the Cobbold family to take on that role.
During that time it became a founder member of the Premier League and emerged from six years in Division Two to become a force in the top flight again.
In a totally different role, as chairman of the Suffolk Agricultural Association, he helped reorganise it to ensure that the Suffolk Show could continue to be the biggest event in the county's calendar.
He was also a key member of the Lord Lieutenant's team as both a deputy and vice Lieutenant - and helped develop a much wider understanding of farming and food production in the county.
Current Lord Lieutenant Clare, Countess of Euston, said: "Today, we mourn in Suffolk the passing of one of this county’s greatest citizens, John Kerr of Blaxhall.
"John’s contribution to the life and well-being of Suffolk over so many years is legendary. He was at the centre of our farming life and so much else besides, including the glory years of Ipswich Town Football Club.
"John always knew what was happening in the county, which was of immeasurable importance for his work as Vice Lord Lieutenant.
"As Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk today, I send heartfelt sympathy and condolences to his family."
David Sheepshanks succeeded Mr Kerr as chairman of Ipswich Town in 1995 - he first met him in 1987.
He said: "I met John when I first met the board. Although he was a few years older than me, we were the two youngest members and very soon became firm friends.
"He was a pillar of Suffolk life - and got on with everyone."
"We travelled together to away games all over the country and always got on so well."
Town won promotion in 1992, and Mr Sheepshanks remembered Mr Kerr wanting to be ready to celebrate.
He said: "We hoped to go up at Brighton and he had a load of champagne in the boot of his car to celebrate.
"Unfortunately it wasn't to be, so he had to take it home - but he took it with him again a few days later to Oxford and on that occasion we did get what we needed and he took it to the dressing room so the team could celebrate."
When Mr Sheepshanks took over as chairman in 1995 Mr Kerr offered to step down from the board - but he was persuaded to stay on.
Mr Sheepshanks said: "I told him his knowledge was invaluable. He had made the club ready for the modern game and he was a huge support on the board.
Suffolk Agricultural Association chairman Bill Baker said Mr Kerr had helped save the organisation by bringing in reforms and at one stage helping to financially support the Suffolk Show.
He said: "John always paid close attention to all the details. He always knew his subject and his wise leadership helped guide the Association through a very difficult time."
Mr Kerr was show director between 1982-84, chairman in 1999-2002 and President of the show in 2006 when he hosted the Duke of Gloucester.
One of his proudest moments was last year when his son Bruce was show director.
But Mr Baker said Mr Kerr's importance to agriculture extended beyond the Association and the Suffolk Show.
He said: "His work with education, particularly through Easton Farm Park, was very important in raising the awareness of the industry."
Mr Kerr's life also brought him into contact with ministers. Local MP and Environnment Secretary Therese Coffey said: "I was really sad to hear of the death of John Kerr. He was Suffolk through and through, quietly effective, wise, kind and a real gentleman. I will miss him a lot."
Ipswich Town players will be wearing black armbands during this Saturday's match at home to Shrewsbury and there will be a minute's applause in memory of Mr Kerr before the kick-off.
Members of the Kerr family will be at the match to see the appreciation of the fans.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here