West Berkshire referee found dead

The body of father-of-three Simon Lee, aged 46, was discovered at his partner Karen Picton’s house in Flodden Drive, Calcot, on October 12.
Mr Lee, who lived in Wyre Court, Tilehurst, refereed in the Hellenic Premier, in which Newbury FC play, as well as the Reading Football League and Reading and District Sunday League.
The aforementioned leagues held a minute’s silence to remember Mr Lee at the weekend.
“It’s a tragedy,” said Secretary of the Reading and District Sunday League, David Marshall.
“Simon had been refereeing for us for a number of years, including major cup finals. He was such as well respected referee.
“The last time I saw him was after he refereed one of our cup finals in May. He seemed very happy and cheerful.
“We feel for his family at this time. He’ll be sorely missed. He’s irreplaceable.”
An inquest into Mr Lee’s death has already been opened and adjourned to a later date at Newbury Town Hall, according to Berkshire’s Coroner's Office.
Meanwhile Thames Valley Police confirmed it was not treating Mr Lee’s death as suspicious.
*Pictured are two West Berkshire sides, Basildon Barbarians, right, and AFC Burghfield, left, pay their respects to Simon Lee during a minute’s silence before their game on Sunday. Photo by Ian Collard.