The family of amateur footballer Stephen Ritchie, who died on pitch minutes after the final whistle blew, have spoken of their grief in losing a 'good humoured family man'.
Mr Ritchie, 43, was playing for Old Greenfordians against Kingshill FC before sustaining a serious blow to the head.
In a statement issued by the family, they wrote: "The devastating death of Steve last Sunday has suddenly removed from his family and friends a good-humoured, family man and a keen sports fan.
"Steve's love of football was well known but the memories held by his family are also of determination to get the best out of each day, willingness to help , love of family life and finding laughter and humour in all of life's daily adventures.
"Stephen will be sorely missed by his partner Tracie and her daughters Lauren and Lucy, his mum, Lily Hutter, step father Louis Hutter and brother Dave Ritchie.
"Stephen was close to his daughter Leah and was incredibly proud to be a grand father to Leah and her partner Greg's daughter Isabella who was born in April 2007.
"There is no possible way that the family can begin to comprehend what has happened to Steve, his presence in their lives was bigger than his shadow.
"Everyone who knew Steve from his many interests will however agree that he would not want sadness or despair to be his memory; he would insist that only the good thoughts must be carried forward and that will be the epitaph of a good father, brother, grandfather, son and man."
The emergency services were called to Little Harlington playing fields in Hayes at about 12:20pm on Sunday November 30, but the victim had already stopped breathing by the time they arrived.
A post-mortem at Uxbridge Mortuary on Monday gave the cause of death as a head injury.
