Oliver Phillips achieved so much during his long and rich career as a journalist. He will be remembered by many as the leading authority on Watford FC but the town as a whole owes him a debt of gratitude for his extensive local history and other community work following his death last week at the age of 81.

With sincere thanks to the Phillips family for giving the Watford Observer access to their photographic collection, take a look back through our late Assistant Editor and Sports Editor’s life and career from childhood to his retirement in France by scrolling through the pictures below.

Watford Observer: Oli during his childhood.Oli during his childhood. (Image: The Phillips family)

Watford Observer: Enjoying a pint in his younger days.Enjoying a pint in his younger days. (Image: The Phillips family)

Watford Observer: Playing, rather than reporting, on football.Playing, rather than reporting, on football. (Image: The Phillips family)

Watford Observer: Oli dictating a report in the packed Vicarage Road press box.Oli dictating a report in the packed Vicarage Road press box. (Image: The Phillips family)

Watford Observer: Oli was instrumental in introducing Elton John to Watford chairman Jim Bonser.Oli was instrumental in introducing Elton John to Watford chairman Jim Bonser. (Image: The Phillips family)

Watford Observer: A smiling Oli watches on as Elton John has a read as the paper is put together.A smiling Oli watches on as Elton John has a read as the paper is put together. (Image: The Phillips family)

Watford Observer: Receiving a presentation from the Watford directors.Receiving a presentation from the Watford directors. (Image: The Phillips family)

Watford Observer: In conversation with Graham Taylor during a trip overseas.In conversation with Graham Taylor during a trip overseas. (Image: The Phillips family)

Watford Observer: Oli on stage with the Hornets squad at one of the club's awards nights.Oli on stage with the Hornets squad at one of the club's awards nights. (Image: The Phillips family)

Watford Observer: Oli covered more than 2,000 Watford matches.Oli covered more than 2,000 Watford matches. (Image: The Phillips family)

Watford Observer: Oli shows Elton John Terry Challis' legendary painting.Oli shows Elton John Terry Challis' legendary painting. (Image: The Phillips family)

Watford Observer: Oli presents Terry Challis' allegorical painting to the music legend.Oli presents Terry Challis' allegorical painting to the music legend. (Image: The Phillips family)

Watford Observer: Oli captured in a relaxed moment behind his desk.Oli captured in a relaxed moment behind his desk. (Image: The Phillips family)

Watford Observer: Laughs were never far away when Oli was with his great friend and late Watford Observer cartoonist Terry Challis.Laughs were never far away when Oli was with his great friend and late Watford Observer cartoonist Terry Challis. (Image: The Phillips family)

Watford Observer: Oli at his computer in the office.Oli at his computer in the office. (Image: The Phillips family)

Watford Observer: Oli produced several supplements on Watford's history during his time at the newspaper.Oli produced several supplements on Watford's history during his time at the newspaper. (Image: The Phillips family)

Watford Observer: Oliver Phillips and Graham Taylor presenting the Player of the Season trophy to Kevin Miller.Oliver Phillips and Graham Taylor presenting the Player of the Season trophy to Kevin Miller. (Image: Watford FC)

Watford Observer: Oli in his trademark hat.Oli in his trademark hat. (Image: The Phillips family)

Watford Observer: A family celebration.A family celebration. (Image: The Phillips family)

Watford Observer: Oli enjoying retirement in France.Oli enjoying retirement in France. (Image: The Phillips family)