It is with deep sadness that Leeds United have today learnt of the passing of lifelong Leeds United supporter and Holocaust survivor Heinz Skyte, at the age of 99. 

Heinz first visited Elland Road 80 years ago when he was just 19 years of age, after stepping off the train that brought him to safety from Nazi Germany. Along with his son Peter, Heinz was able to visit the stadium again recently when he was invited as a special guest for the club's fixture against Cardiff City and treated to hospitality with the chance to meet with Chairman Andrea Radrizzani and his wife Nedine Vos.

The first game he attended was with his brother Frank, together they watched Leeds United play out a 1-1 draw with Everton and his passion for Leeds United stayed with him from that moment. 

Heinz married fellow Jewish refugee, Thea, and together they had two sons and were granted British citizenship in 1947. He began work for the Leeds Jewish Welfare Board in 1951 and  received his MBE in 1976 in recognition of a lifetime of dedication to community work.

Heinz is one of 16 Holocaust survivors and refugees whose stories feature in an interactive exhibition at the Holocaust Exhibition and Learning Centre – the only facility of its kind in the north of England, based at Huddersfield University. To learn more about Heinz’s story, please click here.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Heinz at this sad time.