Oklahoma soccer community mourns the loss of respected referee after battle with cancer

The Oklahoma soccer referee community is mourning the loss of one of their own. Edwin Zunun passed away after a fight with cancer.

A Beloved Referee

When Matt Bolin isn’t working for News On 6’s Assignment Desk, you can usually find him on the soccer field as a referee. That’s where he met David Moore. They've refereed hundreds of games over the years, with a lot of different partners. But they say there was one that stayed with both of them long after the final whistle.

“Edwin stuck out from the beginning,” said Moore. “You were just comfortable having Edwin on a game, you didn’t have to worry about anything,” he added.

Edwin spent more than 20 years on the soccer field. A familiar face on the pitch - Edwin was known for his fairness, humility and calm authority. His friends say he was respected by players, coaches and fellow referees because of the kind of person he was.

A Hard-Fought Battle

Edwin was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer in February. He passed away July 28th at just 48 years old. 

“Edwin kept on a bright face…privately, you could feel the weight,” said Moore. “I was crushed because it’s always the good people,” said Bolin.

Edwin's Legacy

Moore and Bolin say Edwin was the soul of every game, and his influence will be felt on the field for years to come. They say some clubs in South Tulsa and Bixby are planning to wear black armbands this upcoming fall season in honor of him. Both men say Edwin’s legacy won’t be measured in games called, but in lives touched.

“It’s the world’s game, it's the most beautiful game, and it requires beautiful people…and that’s what he was,” said Bolin. 

To view the family's GoFundMe, click here.