Everton Football Club of England is in mourning following the death of its long-term chairman and majority shareholder, Bill Kenwright, at the age of 78.

In an official statement released on the club’s website, Everton confirmed Kenwright’s passing on the evening of Monday, October 23.

Kenwright, who had been diagnosed with liver cancer earlier in August, recently underwent emergency surgery to remove a cancerous tumor.

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The statement noted that Everton had lost “a chairman, a leader, a friend, and an inspiration.” Kenwright, who joined Everton’s board in 1989, had been the club’s chairman for nearly two decades.

He is survived by his partner Jenny Seagrove, his daughter Lucy Kenwright, and grandchildren.

The sale of Everton to 777 partners was recently agreed upon, though it is still pending regulatory approval.