Football West clubs will observe a moment of silence before games across the metropolitan area this weekend as a mark of respect to local football identity Siggy Kramer, who passed away this week.

Mr Kramer, who was synonymous with the Inglewood United club, served the game passionately for more than 60 years.

Football West chairman Liam Twigger described Mr Kramer as an outspoken advocate and entrepreneur, who sustained the Inglewood club for decades and greatly contributed to WA football.
  
“His heart and soul was in the game and in building his beloved Inglewood Kiev,” said Mr Twigger, in reference to the club’s original name.

“He was heavily involved with the State League and the former semi-professional body, Soccer West Coast, and was a strong motivating force behind the amalgamation of the various soccer bodies, which resulted in the formation of Football West Limited in 2004.

“Siggy led the way in developing long-term club funding models and Inglewood was one of the first clubs in WA to build a fabulous grandstand that was funded one third each by the local council, state government and private donations.”

Mr Kramer started as a goalkeeper with Kiev in 1953 and later became the club’s coach before making his voice heard on the committee. He became president in 1994 and just two years later experienced one of his proudest moments when the team won the State Premier League title.

He was president of the club for 19 years and has left a lasting legacy.

“Siggy was an incredible networker, outspoken advocate, entrepreneur and overall mastermind, and his passion, vision and sense of humour will be sorely missed,” Mr Twigger said.

“He was in his element when his team was winning and he was entertaining guests at Inglewood or weaving his magic at his favourite restaurant, Villa D’Este, where his guests were always treated like kings.”

Born in Romania in 1937, Mr Kramer emigrated to Australia with his family when he was 13. Within just a few years he was playing in goal for Inglewood at the start of a long association with the club.

Mr Kramer later served as a board member for the Professional Soccer League (1998-2001) and Soccer Association of WA (2000-01).

His service to the development of football was recognised in 2003 by the Australian Government, who bestowed upon him the Centenary Medal, a year after his induction into the Football Hall of Fame WA’s Hall of Recognition. Last year, he was awarded Football West Life Membership.

“The football community has lost one of its best loved characters but Siggy leaves behind a strong club with excellent facilities and a legacy that any man would be proud of,” Mr Twigger said.

“Our deepest sympathies and condolences go to his wife Lillian, family and the players and staff at Inglewood.”

National Premier Leagues, All Flags State League and MySolar Sunday League clubs will acknowledge Mr Kramer’s passing by holding a moment’s silence before this weekend’s first-team matches.

Mr Kramer's Funeral Cortege will be held on Monday, July 14 at Karrakatta Cemetery, Norfolk Chapel, commencing at 10:30am.

At the conclusion of the Service a burial will take place at 11.45 am.