WATFORD Football Club has lost one of its biggest fans, following the sudden death of a popular steward.

Ron Lewis, of Manor Road in Watford, first joined the Vicarage Road club in 1978 and worked in a range of jobs, including a turnstile operator. He was most recognisable as the players and directors’ entrance steward.

Mr Lewis attended last Tuesday’s home match against Cardiff City but went home early feeling unwell.

Paramedics were then alerted to a man who had collapsed in his car in Stratford Road, Watford, at about 8.35pm and Mr Lewis was taken to Watford General Hospital where he died. He was 62.

Born in Edgware and raised in Wembley, Mr Lewis first moved to Bellamy Close, Watford, when he married his wife Janet in 1968.

Mr and Mrs Lewis were childhood sweethearts and lived in the same road. They first “got together” when they were both 17, after meeting on the way home from an ice hockey match.

The couple celebrated their Ruby wedding anniversary on August 17 this year.

Mr Lewis’s son Martin explained it was moving to the town that started his love affair with the Hornets.

He said: “Ice hockey was his real passion. When he moved to Watford, it was his thing but he’s been watching Watford ever since.”

Ten years after first visiting Vicarage Road, Mr Lewis became a steward. During his time there, he knew Sir Elton John, became a big fan of Gifton Noel-Williams and named his favourite player as Cliff Holton, alongside Luther Blissett, Ross Jenkins and John Barnes.

Mr Lewis was employed as a coach builder in Wembley, but 13 years ago joined Broomhall Joinery, in Tolpits Lane. Until his death he worked for Pacestar Joinery in Headstone Lane.

He regularly visited the Nascot Arms and Southern Cross pubs near his home.

Martin, a Watford season ticket holder, said: “He knew lots and lots of people. He loved good conversation and was always bumping into people. There was a fantastic humility about him. He was extremely personable.

“He became a fan of the club. He loved football and liked the family feel of the club. My memories are going to the football with him and sharing a pint.”

Mr Lewis’s family have received cards of condolence from Aidy Boothroyd, the players, club staff and former manager Graham Taylor.

Martin, 37, from Egg Farm Lane, Kings Langley, said: “The football club has been fantastic, absolutely brilliant.”

The family also wished to thank a cyclist and two motorists who alerted the emergency services when they found Mr Lewis last week.

In last Saturday’s match programme, for the tie against Wolverhampton Wanderers, the club said Mr Lewis was “a friend and colleague” to everyone at Vicarage Road.

It said: “Ron was an extremely popular member of the match day staff and, while sorely missed, we know that he will be fondly remembered by all those who knew him.”

Stephen Crabtree, stadium safety officer at Vicarage Road, described Mr Lewis as a “larger than life character”.

He said: “He will be sadly missed by lots of people. He always had a quip to say and make people laugh.”

Joe Hudd, director of Pacestar Joinery, added: “He was a very good joiner, he always produced very good quality of work. He was very good at helping the younger apprentices. He was a very nice guy and his death has shocked everyone.”

A funeral will be held at 1.20pm at West Herts Crematorium today (Friday).

Mr Lewis leaves his wife Janet, son Martin and his wife Catherine, daughter Angela and her partner Kevin, and four grandchildren – Sienna, two, five-month-old Jensen, Freya, two, and Allie, one .