JOHN Van Hoek, one of WA football's most dedicated contributors in a variety of roles from coach to administrator to club president, died on July 20 at the age of 83.
John, who was born in Holland, was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame WA's Hall of Recognition in 2002.
He immigrated to Melbourne in 1954 but moved West just over 10 years later and lived in the Perth suburb of Ashfield since 1966, during which time he was keenly involved in local football.
He was the initial chairman of the Bayswater United junior football club. He went on to coach Espanol in the amateur leagues and was then coach of the newly formed Ashfield Dynamo Senior Soccer Club.
Three years later he was appointed coach to the WA State Amateur team and led them when the national titles were held in Perth in the State's 150th year celebrations.
He was elected President of the Ashfield Club in 1980, a position he held continuously for 27 years until standing down through ill health in 2007.
Over the duration of his Presidency, the enthusiastic John was able to develop the club and facilities based on a policy of self reliance and self help.
Two self-funded loans for extensions were approved through the Town of Bassendean - one for the 1995 spectator stand that overlooks the fenced main pitch and the other for the clubhouse extension in 2001. The stand was named after John in 2013.
He served as a West Ward Town Councillor for a total of 10 years from 1990 to 1996 and again from 1997 to 2001, during which time he was a passionate advocate for Ashfield and championed the establishment of the Ashfield Community Centre.
He was later honoured with life membership to the Ashfield Soccer Club (now Ashfield Sports Club).
He also served on the executive of the Professional Soccer Federation and became involved each year with Country Week.