Essendon Football Club is mourning the sad passing of former President Ray Horsburgh AM, who passed away late Saturday evening.

A longstanding, passionate and dedicated Club benefactor, Horsburgh joined the Essendon Football Club board in 2003 and served as President from late 2005 – 2009.

President Paul Brasher said the Club was in mourning.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, Executive, players & staff of the Essendon Football Club, we wish to extend our sincere condolences to Pam and the extended Horsburgh family on the passing of Ray,” Brasher said.

“He served as President during his tenure with strong leadership and was a beloved confidant to many. Ray will be sorely missed.”

Chief Executive Xavier Campbell extended the Club’s condolences to the Horsburgh family.

“A proud Essendon man, Ray will be truly missed by the entire red and black family,” Campbell said.

“Our club is a better place for the service of passionate individuals like Ray. Ray brought plenty of joy to a lot of Essendon people in the way he went about his involvement at the Club. He will be terribly missed by so many within the four walls of the club. 

Essendon players will wear black armbands in Sunday’s clash with Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium in honour of Horsburgh, and the club extends its love and condolences to the Horsburgh family. 

Rest in peace, Ray.