Uri was famously known for officiating more than 300 matches in the Premier League. After his retirement from refereeing in 2005, he continued to work in his beloved city of Sheffield, working to support local communities and with numerous charities, campaigning on a range of issues including improving equality and inclusion in sport and supporting mental health.
He was awarded an honorary doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University in 2023 for his contributions to sport and community work, and he was proud to have been installed as the new Chancellor of the University just four weeks ago, on 8 May.
Uri was a loving, father, partner, brother and uncle, who will be very sadly missed. He had been privately battling a recent cancer diagnosis, and the family have asked for privacy at this very sad time.
Uri’s partner, Jayne, and his older brother, Glenroy Rennie, said: “Our family have appreciated all the support from the nursing teams from Northern General and Weston Park Hospitals, plus close family and friends during the past few weeks at such a difficult time. Uri will be so very sadly missed.”
Professor Liz Mossop, Sheffield Hallam University Vice-Chancellor, said: “On behalf of the entire University community I want to express our shock and sadness at the news of Uri’s death. Uri had only just begun his role as the University’s Chancellor, but even in this short time he had already made a profound impact, challenging us to be bolder in our ambitions and how we should truly live our values. We were greatly looking forward to working with him.
“Uri was a proud Sheffielder and family man, deeply committed to the city and to helping people from resilient communities to achieve their potential. He was a trailblazer for inclusion in sport, a man of great integrity with a fierce commitment to equity and inclusion. He was the perfect fit for the role of Chancellor at Sheffield Hallam, and I and my colleagues will miss him greatly.”
As a way of paying our respects, we have set up books of condolence across campus.
- City Campus - Owen building, Level 5, opposite main reception
- Collegiate Campus - Heart of the Campus building, main reception area
- AWRC - main reception area
The books will be on display until Friday 20 June.
