Every word of Bill Kenwright's emotional Anfield speech as he paid tribute to Hillsborough victims

Tributes have been paid to Everton chairman Bill Kenwright after the club confirmed his passing on Tuesday afternoon.

The 78-year-old had suffered with health issues for some time and recently had surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his liver. A club statement released after the procedure said it had been successful, though complications had led to a period in intensive care.

A statement on Tuesday afternoon confirmed the sad news that Bill Kenwright passed away.

When confirmation of his death reached Finch Farm, Everton manager Sean Dyche halted training and sent the players home, such was the magnitude of the news to those at the training ground.

Bill Kenwright dies aged 78 - Everton statement, updates and tributes

Back in April 2013, Kenwright gave an impressive and emotional tribute to victims of the Hillsborough tragedy at a remembrance service at Anfield. He spoke about his time as a kid on the Kop, his feelings on the day of the tragedy on April 15 1989 and the impact it had, and continued to have, on his life.

And below is every word Kenwright's speech at Anfield that showed his pure class.

Kenwright began by reading from Philippians 4: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.