KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 — Small town boy Datuk Seri Paul Mony Samuel shone like a beacon with a passion for football all his life, excelling as an administrator locally and internationally.

From Kuala Ketil, a small town between Sungai Petani and Kulim, Kedah, he stood out for going out of his way to help anyone — in football or otherwise.

His fame at the highest level of the game — Fifa — did not change his humble nature and willingness to help those sharing his passion for the game.

Being a teacher from 1967 to 1979 gave him the perfect foundation to impart his knowledge.

Paul may have given the impression of a strict person who was unapproachable, but he was a gentle giant with a heart of gold. He never turned anyone away.

Yes. He always wore a stern look and hardly smiled but that was because he was a meticulous person and a stickler for discipline.

He was a no-nonsense man. He was a workaholic who turned his office into a second home.

Those who crossed Paul’s path will attest they benefited from his knowledge, generosity and willingness to guide.

The Malay Mail FC (MMFC) were among the many who benefited from Paul’s compassionate heart.

The newspaper team played in the Kuala Lumpur league in the late 1980s and progressed to become the first club from the Klang Valley to qualify for the M-League Premier II in 2000.

It was a long road but what put MMFC on the path to excellence was Paul’s offer for the team to play in the inaugural Philippines Cup in Iloilo and Bacolod City in 1991.

The invitation was sent to FA of Malaysia, but Paul who kept tabs of development of almost all teams in the country — be it is small village team or state team — must have seen something in MMFC.

We took the offer and went to Philippines with some assistance from Kuala Lumpur FA who loaned a few of their junior players to strengthen our team.

MMFC reached the final, defeating the Cambodian national team in the semifinals and played the Taiwan team in the final, only to lose by a solitary goal.

We went on to play in two other Philippines Cup and till today have a relationship with Iloilo and Baclold with veteran teams now making regular visits.

That exposure set the path for MMFC not only to play in the Premier League, but saw almost 200 players pass through the team. Many went on to play for states and other clubs, national junior and national team.

MMFC folded in 2004 because of financial difficulties.

It was a memorable journey with rich experience embracing the game in the best possible way.

Thank you Datuk Seri Paul for giving us experiences we will cherish and treasure for the rest of our lives.

While he helped small clubs and village teams, the same man reached the pinnacle of world football as general-secretary of FA of Malaysia, Asean Football Federation and Asian Football Confederation before making his mark in Fifa.

His involvement in four World Cups must surely be the icing on his illustrious football career.

His leadership, administrative and logistical skills saw him successfully manage the World Cup in the United States (1994), France (1998), Korea/Japan (2002) and Germany (2006).

Fifa valued his knowledge and services and he was recognised as a reliable instructor, serving on their panel of instructors from 1991 to 2007.

He conducted Futuro I and II courses worldwide and wrote the first administration book for Fifa in 1988.

At 71, it was too early for him to pass on.

But he leaves behind a legacy which is unmatched.

Paul’s wife, Datin Seri Kristine and son Andrew, 24, can stand proud of his achievements although the loss will be difficult to accept.

Rest in peace dear Paul. You will always walk tall.

* The funeral service is today at his home — No 4, SS 3/94, 47300 Petaling Jaya with cortege leaving for burial at Subang Lutheran Garden at 11am.