FORMER Crystal Palace chairman Ron Noades sadly passed away on Monday night.
The 76-year-old, who lived in Purley, was diagnosed with lung cancer in November 2012 and had been through chemotherapy, brain radiotherapy and radiotherapy.
However, the news was only made public two months ago in October – and his passing will be felt by many just 24 hours before Christmas.
Noades had surgery to remove a tumour behind his heart but the treatment had a severe effect on his lungs, and he was then dependent on oxygen cylinders which prevented him from attending the funeral of club president and friend Peter Morley in September.
Noades was once caretaker manager of the Eagles as well as chairman of Wimbledon and Brentford.
After selling the club to Mark Goldberg in 1998, the businessman bought six golf courses under the name The Altonwood Group, including The Addington and Surrey National.
The outspoken former owner had also been vocal on a number of subjects in recent years, including the redevelopment of Selhurst Park and the future of former star Wilfried Zaha.
But Eddie McGoldrick, who was bought – and then sold – by Noades, said most people would always be thankful for his time in charge of the club.
McGoldrick said: "Ron has been a big part of my life. He oversaw the best period of success the club ever had. He was very hands-on as a chairman.
"He and Steve Coppell were both Mr Crystal Palace. I saw him about a month ago and he was still laughing and joking."
In a close working relationship with manager Steve Coppell, Noades oversaw promotion to the First Division as well as a club-best third place finish in the old First Division in 1991.
In 1990, the club reached Wembley for its first ever – and only – FA Cup Final against Manchester United.
Geoff Thomas, who was captain that day, said: "Ron was the chairman of a football club when football was very different. He has always been a character and was never shy of coming forward.
"Not many people invest in a football club and come out with more than they put in. The club enjoyed fantastic success under his chairmanship.
"He worked very closely with Steve Coppell and I know, I'm sure Steve will tell you the same, that when they came to watch me play for Crewe, it was Ron that fancied me more than Steve."
Meanwhile, Stephen Browett, the Eagles' current co-chairman, told the Advertiser in October: "I have only met Ron a couple of times but under his chairmanship, this club reached heights they will probably never reach again.
"He performed miracles really in getting a team that was a very poor second division side to finish third in the league and an FA Cup Final. What he did is something for us to look to."
Messages of condolences towards the man who led Palace to unprecedented success during his spell as owner from 1981-1998 have been posted on Twitter by fans, including Geoff Thomas on Tuesday.
Thomas tweeted: "Just heard the sad news that my Chairman when I was at #cpfc Ron Noades past away last night. Our thoughts and love go to his family."
Five Year Plan Fanzine tweeted: "Former Palace chairman Ron Noades has passed away after a battle with cancer. RIP. #cpfc"
Holmesdale Radio tweeted: "RIP Ron Noades. Our thoughts go out to his family. #cpfc"
The Eagles Beak tweeted: "Sad to hear that Ron Noades has died. He had his critics but he was certainly a character. Our thoughts are with family & friends #CPFC #RIP"
RedNBlueArmy.co.yuk tweeted: "RIP Ron Noades. Opinions will always remain split. Oversaw the most successful period for the club but hardly ran it with integrity."
SoccerCoachResource tweeted: "RIP Ron Noades. At times took a lot of stick but was chairman during some of our greatest years #CPFC."
Red Blue South CPFC tweeted: "Love him or hate him our thoughts and prays are with the Noades Family at this difficult time. RIP Ron Noades #cpfc #cpfcfamily."
Croydon Advertiser News Reporter Andrew Jameson tweeted: "RIP Ron Noades, without doubt the most successful chairman #cpfc has ever had and probably ever will have."
