Former Portland Timbers star Jimmy Conway, the midfielder who came from the British Isles to play and coach in Oregon, has died at 73.

Conway battled dementia in recent years.

He was an Irish international who starred as a professional soccer player in Britain before coming to Portland to join the Timbers of the now defunct North American Soccer League late in his playing career.

Conway played for the Timbers from 1978-80 and also played for their indoor team through 1982. He was team captain for three seasons. Since 2011 he belonged to the team’s ring of honor. The Timbers now are members of Major League Soccer.

The Timbers issued a statement Friday that reads: “Jimmy Conway was a Timbers legend whose influence was instrumental in the growth of soccer in Oregon. He was admired and respected as a professional for the way he conducted himself at all levels, and had a true love and passion for the game. Our thoughts are with his family and all those whose lives were touched by Jimmy on and off the pitch.”

After retiring as a player, Conway remained in Oregon to coach and promote the sport, serving as the director of the Oregon Youth Soccer Association beginning in 1980.

Conway coached the Pacific University men’s team from 1982-88 and the Oregon State men’s team 1988-96. While at OSU he was twice conference coach of the year. He was an assistant for the Timbers from 2000-09 when they played in the USL First Division. He remains OSU’s all-time winningest men’s soccer coach.

Conway is survived by his wife of 50 years, Noeleen, sons Paul and Mark, daughter, Laura, plus eight grandchildren and 10 brothers and sisters.

-- Ken Goe