Latics lose voice of Boundary Park
Tom Hill, who commentated on Latics' football matches for over 40 years for Royal Oldham Hospital's Radio Cavell, has died at the age of 76 following a short battle with cancer.It was only 12 months ago that Tom, who lived in Shaw, ended his marathon stint behind the microphone at Boundary Park.
A former PE teacher and deputy head at Hathershaw School, Tom had a lifelong love of Latics and also the town's Rugby League club.
He was also an ex-chairman of the Oldham Schools' Football Association and member of the Federation of Oldham Schools Sports Association.
David McGealy, a former chairman of Radio Cavell, paid tribute saying: "I had known Tom for 39 years through working for the radio station and he was a brilliant commentator who read the game well, was never negative and always looking for positives.
"He loved commentating and supporting the club. He was blue through and through."
David revealed that Tom vowed that if Latics ever reached Wembley, he would go as a fan which is what he did in 1990 for the final of the Littlewwoods Cup when he took his wife Doreen to the game.
Radio Cavell celebrated its 60th anniversary of football commentaries in November 2012 and they had special celebrations planned, but delayed them in the hope Tom would recover from his illness and be able to attend.
Tom, who leaves wife Doreen, two daughters and two grandsons, died at Dr Kershaw's Hospice and his funeral will be on Tuesday, February 12th at Oldham Crematorium at 11.30am.
The family request no flowers and ask instead for donations to Dr Kershaw's Hospice through Hedley Jackson Funeral Directors.