THE family of a popular football player and official described as a ‘true sportsman’ and a ‘generous soul’ have paid tribute to his life.
Lee Jenkinson, 40, of Thornton Road, Whitehaven, who was known affectionately by many as Bazza or Baz, passed away suddenly last week.
Lee played for Whitehaven Miners Social FC, where he was a committee member and club fundraiser and was also heavily involved with the initiation of the Whitehaven Miners development youth team.
His family said he ‘loved all sports’ but his passion was watching and playing football and supporting his beloved Liverpool FC. He was also an avid fan of World Wrestling Entertainment having visiting America numerous times to see Wrestlemania with his brother.
Lee was ‘extremely involved’ with the fundraising activities of any club he played for, even when he no longer played for the club.
He lived with epilepsy from the age of 21 but ‘never ever let this phase him’. His family said he ‘always had a positive outlook on life’, and and ‘always lived life to the full’.
Paying tribute to him, they said: “Family meant everything to Lee and he loved us so much. He was our world. Everything Lee did, we were always so proud of him.
“Fiercely loyal, kind and compassionate, Lee was always selfless, thinking of others. An example being by raising thousands of pounds for Epilepsy Action and Lee was also a monthly donor giving to the Guide Dogs for the Blind.
“Anyone who bumped into Lee knew they weren’t going anywhere soon. He absolutely loved the craic and conversation could always entail putting the world to rights. A quick 10 minute ‘pop to the shops’ for someone could result in 45 minutes if they bumped into Lee.”
Lee’s family thanked the community for their ‘overwhelming’ support following his death.
They said: “The community support we have received in this last week has been outstanding and overwhelming and we are very grateful for their love, support, compassion, generosity and kindness.
“The football community, in particular, Whitehaven Miners Football Club, has been a source of strength for all they have done and made us feel part their family. The football community in general has done us proud too with all their messages of love and support.”
Lee spent his first four years growing up on Norbeck Park in Cleator Moor before moving to his current home.
He attended Hensingham Infants School where he made lifelong friendships. He then attended Hensingham Juniors School and then onto Whitehaven School, gaining more friends each time.
Here, his passion for football came to fruition. Lee was a ‘true sportsman’, ‘extremely competitive’ and ‘confident’ and would have no fear of giving any sport a go. He represented each school sports team for rugby, cricket and football.
After leaving school, he attended Workington College to do a sports degree and Lee then pursued a different route and got a job on the Sellafield site, working for several construction companies.
Lee enjoyed to run and raised thousands of pounds for Epilepsy Action by running twice in the London Marathon and The Great North Run numerous times.
He helped run the West Cumbria Youth football league with his dad and Lee helped initiate the start of the girls football league.
Lee was also fixtures secretary and was responsible for providing opportunities for thousands of players in the west of the county.
When asked how they would like Lee to be remembered, his family said: “As a kind and generous soul, an absolute gentleman who was loved by all of those that knew him. We loved and cherished him and he made us so proud, having him as a son and brother.”
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