The sad news that Malcolm Dix had passed away was confirmed this morning after a short battle with illness.
Dix could well be viewed as the father of modern day Newcastle United with his relentless campaigning against what he perceived as a lack of ambition by the board of directors that changed the course of history.
He inspired Sir John Hall and became a member of the Magpie Group which propelled the modern day trend for single-power ownership in football.
His contribution was rewarded by Hall when he became an honorary vice president of his beloved Magpies.
The former Newcastle chairman paid a heartfelt tribute to Dix, recognising the significance of what he did.
Hall said: "If Malcolm had never fought the first battle we would never have won the war. What Malcolm did for not just the football club but this city must never be forgotten."
Alan Shearer also joined in to appreciate Dix and he commented on Twitter with the folding hands emoji, retweeting a post that confirmed "Mr Newcastle's" passing.
Dix was one of the driving forces of Sport Newcastle for more than 40 years serving faithfully in several positions from secretary to chairman and on to president.
He also worked with the likes of Newcastle Gosforth rugby club becoming chairman of the board of management and the Tyne Theatre & Opera House trust.
This was whilst also being greatly involved across the whole spectrum of Tyneside sport, liaising with Newcastle Sports Council through to its renaming as Sport Newcastle.
