Former Town chairman John Kerr MBE died early this morning, aged 83.

Kerr joined the Blues as a director in the summer of 1983, replacing his father Willie, who had been on the board for the previous 20 years.

A captain of Diss rugby club and a Woodbridge magistrate, Kerr remained a director of the club until the Marcus Evans takeover in 2007, but continued on the board of the PLC until resigning in 2015.

Kerr was appointed Town chairman in 1991, succeeding Patrick Cobbold and becoming the first non-Cobbold to chair the club, and his time in charge saw John Lyall’s Blues win the old First Division and a place in the Premier League in its inaugural season.

After three years in the top flight, Town were relegated and just ahead of the start of the 1995/96 season Kerr stepped down from the chairman’s role with David Sheepshanks taking over. At the Ex-Players Dinner in 2013, he was given a Special Merit Award.

Paying tribute, current chairman Mike O’Leary said: ”We knew John had been unwell for a period of time but this is still very sad news.

“He contributed a huge amount to the football club and was held in high regard at Portman Road.

“This will be a tough time for his family and friends, as well as former colleagues, so right now our thoughts are with them.”

A one-time chairman of the Farmers’ Club in London, Kerr set up and owned the popular Easton Farm Park and was awarded an MBE in 1986. He was also the president of the Suffolk Show and a High Sheriff of Suffolk.

Photo: ITFC

OldClactonBlue added 17:03 - Mar 15 Sad news.
5

Suffolkboy added 17:12 - Mar 15 Respect ,sadness and the greatest thanks for commitment to what was and remains a wonderful Club ; those of his ilk are a rare breed ! COYB
11

MaySixth added 17:17 - Mar 15 I talked to him once.
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itsonlyme added 17:22 - Mar 15 Very sad news! RIP John a fellow town fan!
2

BlueandTruesince82 added 17:31 - Mar 15 Sad, oversaw some of our better times as chairman. That's a proper Ipswich man
6

dangerous30 added 18:14 - Mar 15 R.I.P. john thoughts with your family and friends
2

therein61 added 18:35 - Mar 15 A chairman and a caring fan R.I.P John.
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BlueArrow added 18:44 - Mar 15 Always sad to lose a Blue.RIP John thanks for all your loyal service.Condolences to your family and friends 🥲
2

BigAlwasmyhero added 19:16 - Mar 15 A true gentleman who always made time for a chat. Such a shame he won't see the return of this magnificent club to where we should be. RIP
2

Nobbysnuts added 20:33 - Mar 15 Rip John....true blue
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TimmyH added 20:38 - Mar 15 Yes remember him well...a decent bloke. RIP John
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blueshamrock added 21:46 - Mar 15 RIP John Kerr,a proper Ipswich Town Man,I spoke with him at length one time when I was over and got to thank him for the work he had done to get promoted as Champions of Div 1 ,he got a great kick out of it .A very nice man .
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churchmans added 07:26 - Mar 16 He was at the arcles pub with a few other directors in Liverpool when we played and bought our group a round of drinks and listened to our boring and dreamy opinions about the club! Nice guy and really cared about the club! Rip Mr kerr
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Bazza8564 added 08:50 - Mar 16 Sounds from these comments that he was a very nice man, RIP John. I'm sure we will be silent or applauding you saturday.
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Marcus added 08:58 - Mar 16 A nice and decent guy. Took over as the first outside the Cobbold family, which had some friction at the time with high expectations. Kept the club solid and well prepared for Sheepshanks, despite some pressure from Ivan Paul for change at the top. Always had time for the fans, even talking down those who were confrontational.
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