The Guyana Football Federation paid a tribute to former national footballer Neil `Grizzly’ Humphrey who passed away last weekend in berbice.
The GFF, in a release, also sent its condolences to the family of former national footballer.
The Berbice-based Humphrey, who was 65, played for the senior men’s national team during the 1970s.
Two other brothers, Keith and Vinson also played for the national team while another brother Owen would have represented Berbice in the discipline.
During his career, the late Humphrey played for several sides including Cougars, Caribs, Bermine and Hearts of Oak.
“Grizzly was a larger-than-life character who made a huge impression on football nationally and, in particular, in Berbice.
‘On behalf of the Guyana Football Federation, I would like to send my sincerest heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time,” said GFF President Wayne Forde.
After his playing career, Humphrey remained a keen enthusiast, supporter and organiser of football, from coaching to refereeing and youth development.
He was instrumental in the staging of the Teach Them Young football camps which he ran for more than two decades. He also served as president of the Hearts of Oak Masters FC and as the local contact for the Overseas Disturbance FC, which is comprised mostly of members of the diaspora from New Amsterdam.
“He will be greatly missed by all, but there is so much to celebrate about his life. He leaves behind an incredible list of achievements in football that have made a permanent mark on his community and beyond,” Forde said.
“It is the unsung heroes like `Grizzly’ who make the real difference for the development of young people in our communities.”
