The West Coast Eagles lost one of its pioneering torch bearers over the weekend when former chairman Terry O’Connor passed away.

Mr O’Connor, like so many of the Eagles' early trail blazers, began his football journey with amateur club University, where he played about 250 games.

He joined the West Coast Eagles board in 1990 as chairman and held that mantle for three years, including the 1992 season when the club won the first of its four premierships.

An astute legal mind, he was a Queen’s Counsel, and after completing his tenure with the club served on the AFL Commission from 1993-2000.

He was also chairman of Western Australia’s Anti Corruption Commission.

“Terry O’Connor was one of the key people in mapping the club’s path in the early years,” West Coast Chief Executive Officer Trevor Nisbett said.

“He became chairman in 1990 (coinciding with the arrival of Michael Malthouse as the senior coach) and offered important strategic guidance for a club in its infancy.

“Without the influence of people like Terry, who assumed responsibility at a challenging time in the club’s formative years we would not be the club we are today.

"We are deeply indebted to him and offer our deepest condolences to Annabel, Simon, Dimity and the extended O’Connor family.”