Local football is mourning the sudden death of former Bermuda Football Association president Richard Thompson who passed away on Monday.Thompson, who was involved in football administration for many years at club and BFA level, took over as president of the governing body in 1994 when he replaced Charlie Marshall in the top post.Thompson held the post until 1996 before Neville Tyrrell became took over.Current BFA president Larry Mussenden yesterday praised Thompson’s contribution to football and extended condolences to his family.“We are very saddened to hear of the passing of former president of the Bermuda Football Association, Mr Richard Thompson, and we extend our condolences to his family and would like them to know that the family of football certainly hold them in our thoughts and prayers,” said Mussenden.“Richard served on the BFA executive for a number of years and then he was elected to be the president of the Association. Richard took over the presidency of the BFA at an important time, when we had various challenges domestically and internationally, but he was able to guide the association through those challenging times.“Personally I came on board during Richard’s presidency and served as a volunteer in the area of strategic planning and fundraising, so I am personally grateful to Richard for that.”Added Mussenden: “Over a lot of years Richard did make a contribution to football in Bermuda for which we are grateful. We recognise that he, along with other presidents, set the BFA on to a solid path of development.”Marshall remembers Thompson serving on various committees within the BFA before replacing him as president. Thompson was also president of Boulevard prior to joining the BFA.“I certainly send my condolences to his family. I remember Richard for the wonderful contribution he made to football, not only as president of the Bermuda Football Association but also for his involvement with Boulevard Community Club,” said Marshall.“He played a big role in helping them get off the ground and was there for quite a long time as a member of the executive. He was very active in various (BFA) committees over the years, the leagues committee, referees committee, discipline committee, an all-round person who made his contribution.“He represented Bermuda a number of times abroad as part of the delegation.“He went on to become president which is the highest you can go. I sorry to hear that he has passed on. We are going to miss him. I saw him in January of this year and we were talking about football.”