Tribute to ‘inspirational’ man from Coventry who loved the Sky Blues

Tributes have been paid to a much-loved Coventry man who was remembered for his love of the Sky Blues. Harry Treen died last week after a battle with prostate cancer and was hailed as an “inspiration”.

Harry always loved football from an early age, captaining Brandon and Wolston in the 1950s when they won the Rugby Chamber of Commerce Cup in 1959. He was described as the ‘heart and soul’ of Cancer Support Walking Football (WF), which is run by Sky Blues in the Community (SBitC).

Harry joined the Cancer Support Walking Football sessions in 2020 when he was 88 years old. He decided to join along with his friend Tom.

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Friend Tom said: “I used to always say hi to Harry in my street but when my neighbor told me he was a good footballer who played for Wolston in his youth I decided to approach him to come and play for SBitC Cancer Support. The WF team. He jumped at the chance. Every Friday morning, he was always ready and raring to go…even to his last days.”

He continued: “I loved having Harry, not only as a playmate but also as a friend and neighbour. He will be truly missed by me and the team, but he will never be forgotten.”

Coach Dennis Zuill spoke about his time with Harry. He said: “Every Friday, his presence reminded us all to live each day to the fullest. We often take for granted that we wake up every day.

“But not Harry, he just loved his football. It was his happy place where he found his most therapeutic pleasure. From the first day I met him, I was blown away by his football IQ and his intelligence on the pitch.”

Mr Zuill continued: “I was honestly scared to be on the pitch with him so I made sure to join his team. You feel uneasy thinking the ball will hit him too hard, but with his awareness and intelligence you will soon realize what an honor it was to share the field with such a student of the game. From needle through thread passes to body turns, well timed tackles and his favorite step over dummies, you were in the presence of greatness.

“Harry has inspired me in my life to never let problems get me down. Life is to be lived and lived with purpose. From all his fights, you’d never know he was lacing up his boots.”

Attendee Ron Bannister said the much-loved 92-year-old would be remembered for his “smiling face”. He said: “I first met Harry when he was only 88, there was something special about him.

“As the weeks went by, I thought how can this man still play football at his age? But you could tell Harry had played this game before. He still had some great touches and was always in the right position.

He added: “My lasting memory of Harry was the Sky Blues in the Community (SBitC) Day and his smiling face. He couldn’t stop talking about it when he got home!

“He was a real gentleman and had an amazing appetite for football. Harry has left a great void in our cancer support group and we will all miss him.”

The last time he played with his fellow footballers on foot was on Thursday, May 9. He attended the SBitC Community Day with around 80 others and enjoyed a fun and relaxed tour at the Coventry Building Society Arena in Longford.

Coach Dennis said, “Just a week before his death, seeing him apply the trade on the CBS carpet brought us all so much joy. I will miss you Harry and cherish every moment I spent with you.”

Harry will be laid to rest at Rainsbrook Cemetery and Crematorium in Rugby on Tuesday 11 June at 12pm. Donations can be made to Sky Blues in the Community on MuchLoved.

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