Family members and Sheffield Hallam University have joined tributes to Uriah Rennie following his death at the age of 65.
Rennie – who was a former Premier League referee and the chancellor of Sheffield Hallam – died on Saturday 7 June.
He had privately been battling a recent cancer diagnosis.
A statement from his partner, Jayne, and older brother, Glenroy, said: “Our family have appreciated all the support from the nursing teams from Northern General and Weston Park Hospitals, plus close family and friends during the past few weeks at such a difficult time. Uri will be so very sadly missed.”
On 8 May, Rennie had been officially installed as Sheffield Hallam’s new chancellor and said he was “immensely proud” to be taking on the role.
This appointment followed graduating with an MBA from the university and receiving an honorary doctorate in 2023 for contributions to sport and the Sheffield community.
Professor Liz Mossop, vice-chancellor at Sheffield Hallam, said in a statement: “On behalf of the entire University community I want to express our shock and sadness at the news of Uri’s death.
“Uri had only just begun his role as the University’s Chancellor, but even in this short time he had already made a profound impact, challenging us to be bolder in our ambitions and how we should truly live our values. We were greatly looking forward to working with him.
“Uri was a proud Sheffielder and family man, deeply committed to the city and to helping people from resilient communities to achieve their potential. He was a trailblazer for inclusion in sport, a man of great integrity with a fierce commitment to equity and inclusion. He was the perfect fit for the role of Chancellor at Sheffield Hallam, and I and my colleagues will miss him greatly.”
Following the announcement of Rennie’s death yesterday evening, tributes flooded in from across the city, country, and the world of sport.
Hallam FC, of which Mr Rennie was the club’s honorary President, said it was “deeply saddened” to hear of his passing.
“A trailblazer on and off the pitch whose support and council at Sandygate will be sorely missed.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Sheffield Central MP Abtisam Mohamed said in a post on X: “Extremely sad news. A dear friend and supporter to all communities. He will be so sadly and dearly missed.
“Rest well Uriah. You’ve left a community legacy in grassroots sport.”
Between 1997 and 2008, Rennie officiated in more than 300 Premier League matches as the first black referee in the top flight.
Around Sheffield, he held roles such as patron of Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity and St Luke’s Hospice, ambassador for The Children’s Hospital Charity, trustee at Voluntary Action Sheffield, and president of Sheffield Federation of Schools Sports. He had also been a magistrate in the city since 1996.
Sheffield Hallam University said details of funeral arrangements and how people can pay their respects to Uriah Rennie would be “forthcoming”.
Featured image from Sheffield Hallam University
