The reaction following Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha's tragic death on Saturday reflects the fact he was not your average football club chairman.
Often, the super rich who take over big clubs appear to view the beautiful game as nothing more than business, detaching themselves from the teams and their fans.
By contrast, the outpouring of emotion from players and fans in the aftermath of Srivaddhanaprabha's fatal helicopter crash are a testament to the monumental impact he had on both the club and the city as a whole.
Through substantial investment, Srivaddhanaprabha wiped the club's £100 million debt and transformed them from Championship strugglers to history making Premiership champions in six years.
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A phenomenal achievement in itself.
But it was not purely the financial investment he made in the club that had a big impact - it was the fact that he invested himself in the club that made him special. From regularly attending matches and bonding with players, to donating millions to local hospitals and covering fans' travel costs - Srivaddhanaprabha has been remembered by everyone affiliated with the club as a genuine, generous and inspiring man.
Leicester City fan and former player, Gary Lineker, battled through the 'most difficult' Match Of The Day he has ever hosted on Saturday and has since paid tribute to the chairman on Instagram.
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He said: "Deeply saddened to hear the confirmation that @lcfc chairman, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was one of 5 people to lose their lives in the helicopter crash on Saturday evening. A quiet, unassuming man who will always be remembered with great fondness and respect. He also helped to bring the most magical, miraculous title win in the history of football. Thank you, Chairman for all you did for our football club."
Leicester City goalkeeper, Kasper Schmeichel, has shared a lengthy tribute on Twitter to the man 'who touched everyone' and made his 'dreams come true'.
He said: "Dear Mr Chairman, I cannot believe this is happening. I am so totally devastated and heartbroken. I just cannot believe what I saw last night. It just doesn't seem real.
"It is difficult to put into words how much you have meant to this football club and to the city of Leicester. We all know about the investment in the football club you and your family have made. But this is about so much more. You cared so deeply for not just the club but for the entire community. Your endless contribution to Leicester's hospitals and charities will never be forgotten. You went above and beyond in every aspect.
"Never have I ever come across a man like you. So hard working, so dedicated, so passionate, so kind and so generous in the extreme. You had time for everyone. You touched everyone. It didn't matter who it was, you had time for them. I always admired you as a leader, as a father and as a man.
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"You changed football. Forever! You gave hope to everyone that the impossible was possible, not just to our fans, but to fans all over the world in any sport! Not many people have done that.
"When you signed me back in 2011 you said to me we would be in the Champions League within six years and we would do great things. You inspired me and I believed in you. You made me feel like nothing was impossible. Without and your family, all this, everything we did together, everything we achieved would never have happened. You gave me experiences that only happen in fantasy.
"You literally made my dreams come true.
"But what I am most proud of is to have been part of your vision. The environment you created. This club, this city is a family. And that is all because of you. For this I am eternally grateful to have known you and grown close to you and your amazing family and for all the private moments and joint experiences I had with you on a personal level.
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"It breaks my heart to know I will never see you in the dressing room when I come in early from my warm-up and have a chat about everything and nothing. That you won't be there having fun and laughing with the boys and seeing your infectious smile and enthusiasm that rubbed off on everyone you came into contact with.
"We now have a responsibility as a club, as players and fans to honour you. From knowing you we do this by being the family you created. By sticking together and supporting those closest to you through this horrendous time.
"You had a vision for this club, you wanted the best for us. There was absolutely nothing you wouldn't do for us. You were so passionate. We must honour your legacy by delivering for you on the pitch like you also wanted and continue being the close-knit family club that you built.
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"You will never know how much you meant to me and my family.
"I am truly honoured and privileged to have been a small part of your life."
Club captain, Wes Morgan, said the chairman was 'adored' by everyone at the club.
He said: "Absolutely heartbroken and devastated following the news of our chairman.
"A man that was loved and adored by everyone here at LCFC and someone who I had personally had the utmost respect for.
"My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and the families of the other victims of this tragedy."
Srivaddhanaprabha was one of five people to be killed in the crash after the Foxes' 1-1 draw against West Ham at the King Power Stadium. Leicestershire Police believe the other people killed in the crash were staff members, Nursara Suknamai and Kaveporn Punpare, pilot Eric Swaffer and his partner Izabela Roza Lechowicz.
Srivaddhanaprabha was 61-years-old and leaves behind four children. As the owner of duty-free company, King Power International Group, he was the fourth richest Thai person in the world, worth an estimated $3.8bn (£2.9bn).
Leicester City's Carabao Cup match against Southampton tomorrow has been postponed.
But his legacy will live on and anyone connected with football will always look back at that incredible season when unfancied Leicester turned top flight football on its axis.
The title win took the club in to Europe and allowed fans of other big clubs to dream too.
The fans, players and the local community will always have that moment in time - and the Chairman was right there in the middle of it all.
Just as it should be.
Featured Image Credit: PA
