The family of Ron Gordon have thanked Hibs fans for their “outpouring of love and support” they have received since the death of the Easter Road club’s chairman.
Gordon, who was also majority shareholder, died last week at the age of 68 after a year-long battle with cancer.
His wife, children and siblings have now sent a message of thanks to the support and wider football family and say they are “immensely grateful”.
In the statement released through Hibernian on Monday they said: “Ron was a beloved husband, father, and brother. As we grieve his death as a family, we are immensely grateful for the tremendous outpouring of love and support we have received from the Hibernian family.
“From day one, it was clear to us that Hibs is more than just a football club, it is a big family. The last few days have reaffirmed this.
“When our hearts were broken, the sunshine from Leith brought some much-needed light into our lives. We cannot thank you enough for your kindness and generosity.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the countless messages, flowers, and tributes honouring Ron’s work and thanking him for all he did at Hibernian in pursuit of moving the club forward. Every single gesture has touched our hearts.
“We are also incredibly grateful for the affection shown by our wider footballing family in Scotland.
“We’d like to extend our thanks to Ben Kensell, the Executive Team and staff at the Club, and the Board of Directors for their unwavering support during this difficult time for our family.”
SNS GroupTributes and messages thanks were left outside Hibs’ stadium, including flowers, replica kits and club scarves, following news of the death.
A minute’s applause was also held before the League Cup final between Celtic and Rangers at Hampden park on Sunday but was disrupted by a group of Rangers fans behind the goals who sang through the tribute.
The Gordon family now say they are “determined” to see through his plan of helping the Edinburgh side reach their best possible level.
The statement continued: “Ron’s passion, love, and enthusiasm for the Club was contagious from the get-go and was shared by us all. As a family we have fallen in love with the Football Club and Edinburgh. It has become a home to us.
“Ron saw himself as a steward of this great football club and was always conscious of its role in the community and this wonderful city.
“His goal had always been to build the club into the best version of itself. As a family, and organisation, we are more determined than ever to see this through.
“We remain committed to Ron’s vision and long-term plan, supporting all facets of the Football Club, and working with you all to achieve it. With pride we will continue to invest in the First Team, Academy, Women’s Team, club infrastructure and the Community Foundation.
“We will continue to meet Ron’s and our supporters’ high expectations to achieve sustained success on and off the pitch.
“Ron will be missed terribly, but together, we will continue to build on the legacy of this historic club.”
The American businessman had bought the majority shareholding in 2019 and worked to improve the club’s standing as well as taking a central role in moves to improve the Scottish game.
Hibs announced his death in a statement to supporters on Tuesday afternoon.
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