Ken Friar worked for Arsenal for 70 years and was named the club's life president in 2020, having played a key role in their move from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 01: Arsenal Director Ken Friar who joined the club 70 years ago to the day before the FA Cup Final match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on August 01, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Ken Friar has passed away(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Arsenal have announced the death of life president Ken Friar at the age of 92. Friar spent 70 years working for the club and became their life president in 2020 after retiring from his duties as an executive.
In an emotional tribute, Arsenal posted on their website: "Since our formation in 1886, there have been many inspirational individuals who have driven our club forward, but no one has had an influence on Arsenal Football Club quite like 'Mr Friar' and he leaves an extraordinary life of service to the club as his legacy. One that will surely never be matched. Rest in peace."
The story of how Friar joined Arsenal is the stuff of Gunners folklore. In 1945, he accidentally kicked a ball underneath a parked car which belonged to Arsenal manager George Allison.
The young Friar's enthusiasm impressed Allison - who won two First Division titles and an FA Cup with the club - and got him a job as a runner in the box office. Having started working full-time in 1950, the Islington-born chief worked his way up to become Arsenal's secretary in 1973 and later their managing director.
After 23 years in that role, Friar changed position in 2000 to oversee Arsenal's move to the Emirates from Highbury. He fellow director Danny Fiszman were at the forefront as the Gunners moved into the Emirates six years later.
Also in 2000, Friar was awarded an OBE services to association football. He also received the Freedom of the Borough of Islington.
Friar married wife Gwendoline in 1957 and they had a son and daughter together. Gwendoline tragically died aged 88 in December 2020 after suffering from pancreatic cancer..