When Uriah Rennie died last year at the age of 65, he left a huge fortune to his children. The former Premier League official did not leave a will and as a result his wealth was automatically passed on to his partner and two children. Rennie, the division’s first black staff member, sadly passed away in a Sheffield hospital in June after a “private battle” with cancer.
He joined the list of match officials in 1994 before becoming the first black referee to oversee a match at the same level in 1997 at Derby vs. Wimbledon. Rennie managed over 300 games during his career, including 175 in England’s top flight. Ten months after his death, documents have revealed the staggering £1.28 million he left his family.
His partner Jayne and two children receive the money. Jayne and Renee’s brother Glenroy said in a statement: “Our family would like to thank the nursing teams at Northern General Hospital and Weston Park Hospital, as well as our close family and friends, for all their support over the past few weeks during these difficult times. Uli will be sorely missed.”
Lenny hung up the whistle in 2005 and championed many worthy causes, including equality and inclusion in sport and mental health awareness. He then became Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University just four months before his death.
He was a man who touched the lives of so many people, and many organizations paid tribute to him after his death. In a statement, the FA said: “The FA Referees Department is saddened to hear of the death of former FIFA and Premier League referee Urijah Rennie.
“Uraiah will forever be remembered as a true pioneer of the game. Our thoughts are with Uriah’s family and friends at this time.”
Sheffield United wrote: “Sheffield United are saddened to learn of the passing of popular referee and pioneer Uriah Rennie. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.”
Sheffield FA said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former chairman and pioneering referee Uriah Rennie. Uriah made history as the Premier League’s first black referee, officiating over 300 top-flight matches between 1997 and 2008.”
“He broke barriers, shaped our football community and inspired generations to come. Our thoughts are with Uriah’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Former Liverpool and Aston Villa striker Stan Collymore said: “I am incredibly saddened to hear of the death of referee Uriah Rennie.
“A pioneer, a trailblazer, and a very good umpire. Rest in peace, umpire.”
