Phoenix owner passes away in Seattle

Lloyd Morrison, a driving force behind the Welnix consortium that saved the Wellington Phoenix football club, passed away yesterday in a Seattle hospital after a long battle with leukemia.

Morrison, 54, was a proud Wellingtonian and Phoenix owner who played a major role in bringing together members of the consortium that is headed by his brother Rob .

Rob Morrison said everyone in the consortium knew Lloyd and respected what he wanted to do for Wellington and the Phoenix.

“It didn’t matter what Lloyd did, he always gave of his best,” Rob Morrison said.

“He set high standards for himself and expected others to do the same.

“Once he got involved in the Phoenix he became very passionate about the club.”

That passion was epitomised by the Phoenix shirt hanging on the wall in his Seattle hospital room.

Lloyd Morrison’s passing will be commemorated before Sunday’s game at Wespact Stadium against Brisbane Roar by a moments silence, and the players will wear black armbands as a mark of respect.