Bristol City CEO Richard Gould paid tribute to legendary supporter Stoney Garnett as Robins fans shared poignant and amusing stories about his colourful life.
News of his death was learned on Sunday and floods of fans were eager to share a kind word and anecdote for 'Mr Bristol City' - an iconic figure at Ashton Gate wearing his red fedora who had the unique ability to make everyone around him laugh with his quick-wit and timely quips.
Stoney left a lasting impression on fellow supporters who came across him on away trips, inside pubs, as an audience member during one of his comedy shows and of course, in the Dolman Stand where he was so frequently recognised.
Gould spoke to Radio Bristol on Monday morning to pay his respects for Stoney with the club planning a fitting tribute when the Robins take on Sunderland in their first home game of the season on August 6.
He said: "Ashton Gate won't be the same. It's been incredible to see everyone's memories being shared on social media.
"The fact that so many people have got stories to share on Stoney about when they've met him or seen him at Ashton Gate, it's incredible that he's managed to touch so many people's lives.
"I first met him about 20-odd years ago and he was so distinctive, very funny and charming guy. When he had an opinion he would let us know about it which was a good thing as well. Everybody that came across him had a positive memory which is a great thing, and I feel for his family and friends but I hope they can take some comfort from the fact that he was loved by so many people.
"Our first league home game against Sunderland will have a really big crowd so it will be the ideal opportunity to remember and thank Stoney so we'll look at all the suggestions coming through and make sure we can do something which will be really appropriate and something we can be proud of.
"With his red fedora and his extremely smart dress sense he was instantly recognisable, iconic and somebody who everyone was proud of, football club included. What he did and we're so grateful for his support over the years and it's now our opportunity to provide support back to his family and friends."
Stoney purchased his iconic red fedora during a trip to Austria and revealed nine years ago why he was often seen sporting the look in typically-amusing fashion.
He said: "I've always worn a red hat for 20-odd years, most people you don't even know their surnames you only recognise people by what they wear.
"I know a couple of people only by what they wear. You've got Ago the hat because he always wears a fisherman's hat, Tony shorts, who only wore shorts even in the winter, John the bag who's always got a bag on his back, and of course you've got Mayor Ferguson with his red trousers.
"But years ago you used to see people around town with cowboy suits on and they stood out if I walked around without my red hat on I don't think anybody would talk to me."
Born in Knowle West before living in Whitchurch, Stoney famously ran for mayor of Bristol on two occasions in 2012 and 2016 offering free cider among his campaign pledges.
After leaving Connaught Road School, he worked with British Rail before becoming a postman for 24 years. Stoney was also a comedian, a referee and had a spell in showbusiness as an extra in films.
His generosity and enthusiasm were infectious to those who met him and many were keen to share their tales both on the City messageboard and across social media. Here are some notable stories...
Sir Geoff wrote: "I was in the audience at several of his 'shows' Knowle Golf Club, mainly. He was hilarious. Such a lovely person, he'd always have time to stop and chat. Worked with his brother for many years, so condolences to the family at such a sad time."
Olé added: "The most dapper man in the Dolman Stand - and always had time to share some fantastical story or weave some incredible joke if you met him in the pub home or away. I remember one off-season on a hot summer's day drinking down the Nova and he had about ten of us enthralled as he told this tale of he and his mates randomly entering a boat race on the docks for a bet.
"I can't for the life of me remember the punchline but he told it with such timing and theatre and that cheeky grin on his face that we were all falling about long before we ever found out what happened in the race.
"Whenever we have a corner in front of the Atyeo and we have everyone back, I always instantly think of Stoney storming to the front of Dolman Block A and screaming for someone to get on the halfway line. Every single time. Without fail. It stopped a few years back but mainly because we largely keep someone up, I'd like to think Stoney got his way."
Pezo said: "Repeating what everyone else has written - a true legendary supporter who was instantly recognisable, always wanting to make people laugh and smile."
Red Shadow wrote: "The older you get the more pieces of your Bristol City life come to an end. I once spent a good hour and a few ciders with him in the Wedlock's before a game during the time the club banned him from entering the stadium. He was so engaging that he had to remind me at five to three to get in the ground or I'd miss the start. RIP Stoney. True legend. Probably the most iconic City fan ever."
Steve on Twitter said: "RIP Stoney Garnett. Always sat near me at Ashton Gate, but never in the same seat, he sat wherever he liked. Usually heard as the only one shouting at players one minute, then blowing on his kazoo the next. And that unmistakable red hat. A man who truly loved."
The former players' association also said: "Very sad to hear the passing of Stoney Garnett. A massive City fan who was always popular with the players. Condolences to the Garnett family."
Actor Andy Ford said on BBC Bristol: "It's sad but let's celebrate this wonderful day. One day in rehearsal he and Andy Maggs, were laughing their heads off and I was thinking 'what's going on in our rehearsal room?'
"He said 'your time Exeter City, they're 2-0 up against Bristol Rovers. About 10 minutes later there's a big roar and I said 'what's happened now?!' He said 'it's 3-0!'.
"For Exeter, we very rarely beat Bristol Rovers but we did in that case and Stoney was more or less dancing in rehearsals - a complete Bristol City fan but on stage, he was just lovely."
Ray added: "When I lived in Knowle West I played football for the White Hearts. Stoney was a referee for a number of years and he refereed us one Sunday morning. We were playing a side and we were winning convincingly. We were scoring a lot of goals.
"The ball came into our area, Stoney was there pushed everybody out the way and headed it towards goal. Everyone was laughing, nobody was offended by it and he said 'I've had enough of this, somebody has to help you guys out.'"
Floatn Over said: "Always part of the match day experience, somewhere on route there would be Stoney for sure and the iconic red hat, like a beacon. Will be greatly missed."
City legend Scott Murray added: "Stoney Garnett one of the finest about great bloke and a very funny man."
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