A COUNTRY footy umpire who collapsed and died at a weekend match had received a life membership at a poignant ceremony only two weeks ago.

Greg Sidebottom, 61, beamed as he held his award in a picture taken at the presentation night at Shepparton last month.

“He couldn’t wipe the smile off his face,’’ United Cricket Club spokesman Chris Giblin said.

“Everybody loved having him around, he was such a positive influence on everybody who knew him.’’

Paramedics could not revive Mr Sidebottom after he suffered a cardiac arrest late into a seniors clash between Ardmona and Undera football clubs at Ardmona reserve.

Umpires at yesterday’s AFL clash between the Hawks and West Coast wore black armbands in his honour.

Mr Sidebottom had been umpiring since the early 1980s in the VFL — once officiating during Kevin Barlett’s 400th game. He later started working with country leagues throughout the state and had devoted much of his time to the cricket club.

“Greg was a completely selfless, generous man,’’ Mr Giblin said. “He was well known for giving up his time to help people who may have needed a hand up.’’

He said Mr Sidebottom had helped numerous club members secure jobs when he was a manager at the local council.

“Greg liked to think outside the square and was ultra positive about sport and life,’’ Mr Giblin said.

“He was one of the good guys.’’

AFL field umpire Brendan Hosking issued a tribute on social media yesterday.

“Tragic news regarding the loss of Greg Sidebottom,’’ he said. “An amazing mentor playing a big part in my development. RIP Sidey.’’

Mr Sidebottom was an employee at Goulburn Murray Water and had been looking forward to retirement.

Kyabram District Football Netball League Operations Manager Grant Wilson said Mr Sidebottom

was well respected in the football community.

“Kyabram wishes to extend its deepest sympathies to Greg’s family and the umpiring community,” Mr Wilson said.

Other members from Kyabram said Mr Sidebottom was well known and well liked within local sporting circles.

“He was a wonderful guy,” one local league member said.

Son Vaughan who returned from overseas late yesterday, said the support from family and friends had been overwhelming.

“The support from the many communities that he dedicated his life to has been amazing... He would just want everyone to continue moving on and doing things with a smile. Whether it be in football, cricket, council or even in his odd projects out at dhurringile prison.”