Ron Gordon funeral to take place in America as Hibs plan Edinburgh memorial

Ron Gordon pictured in the Directors' Box at Easter Road

The 68-year-old died on February 20. He had revealed to Easter Road fans in an open letter just weeks ago that he had been receiving treatment for cancer for much of the previous 12 months, limiting his ability to visit his base in Edinburgh and attend matches, but reaffirmed his family’s commitment to the club.

A service will be held at St Mary’s Episcopal Church in Arlington, Virginia, where Ron’s ‘extraordinary life’ will be celebrated. The family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations are made to the Arlington Free Clinic and the Hibernian Community Foundation.

A message sent by wife Kit, sons Colin and Ian and their wives Natalie and Callie to Hibs supporters earlier this week, pledged to continue Ron’s work at the Capital club. Thanking those at the club for their love and support they said: “Ron saw himself as a steward of this great football club and was always conscious of its role in the community and this wonderful city. His goal had always been to build the club into the best version of itself.

"As a family, and organisation, we are more determined than ever to see this through. We remain committed to Ron’s vision and long-term plan, supporting all facets of the football club, and working with you all to achieve it.”

A private memorial service will be held in Edinburgh next week at the Mansfield Traquair on Tuesday March 7 with the Gordon Family, Board of Directors, players, staff and invited guests all attending.

On Thursday, to mark his funeral, the club will be holding a minute’s silence at Easter Road and the Hibernian Training Centre ‘to remember a great man who was full of enthusiasm and positivity’, according to a statement issued by Hibs on Wednesday.

Supporters are encouraged to continue paying tribute to Ron by sending messages via the club’s online book of condolence.

Hibs Women wore black armbands and black kits as well as holding a minute’s silence ahead of their Wednesday night SWPL clash with Aberdeen, while there will also be tributes made to Ron at Hibs’ cinch Premiership fixtures against Livingston on Saturday and Rangers next Wednesday.