FOOTBALL legend Jim Smith, Headington's shark house mastermind Bill Heine and Oxford United stalwart John Shepperd are just a few of the familiar faces we've had to say goodbye to in 2019.

Here's a look back on who we've said farewell to this year:

Oxford Mail:

Bill Heine: Legendary journalist Bill Heine undoubtedly left his mark on Oxford, from his iconic Headington shark to his frank words about battling cancer in his Oxford Mail column.

See his life in pictures here.

Oxford Mail:

Keith Milner: Retired police officer Keith Milner, 83, was the first detective on the scene of the Great Train Robbery. He collected evidence and spent nine months investigating the case.

Read his obituary here.

Oxford Mail:

Jim Smith: Oxford United's legendary former manager Jim Smith died in December. He is remembered for his thrilling first stint in charge, which began in March 1982.

Read our story here.

Oxford Mail:

Maja O'Brien: Well-known psychotherapist and talented musician Dr Maja O'Brien died aged 78, in May. She carried out a successful career, teaching at Oxford University.

Read her obituary here.

Oxford Mail:

Bryan Magee: Broadcaster and Royal TV Society award winner Bryan Magee brought philosophy into the living rooms of homes across the country, until he died in August aged 89.

Read his obituary here.

Oxford Mail:

David John Polgreen: A former Oxford deputy headteacher who 'lived to run' and inspired generations of young people, died aged 78 in November. He had been a familiar face to thousands of pupils who had been through the doors of Oxford Boys School.

Read his obituary here.

Oxford Mail:

John Wheeler: The well-known Kidlington resident was killed in a crash in March. He was hailed a 'legend' and 'perfect gentleman' by those who remembered him.

Read his tributes here.

Oxford Mail:

John Shepperd: Hailed a 'phenomenal' servant of Oxford City FC, John Shepperd had devoted his life to Oxford United, until he died in August, aged 84.

Read his obituary here.

Oxford Mail:

Susanna and Chris Naylor: Were among three Britons killed when a car plunged from a bridge in South Africa. Mrs Naylor, 54, was the head of science at Christ Church Cathedral School and her husband was highly regarded for his Christian charity work.

Read their tributes here.

Oxford Mail:

Mary Rose Spiller: Gardener, planner, manager and teacher, Ms Spiller – who died in November, was also the first female presenter of BBC TV series Gardeners' World.

Read her obituary here.

Oxford Mail:

Anthony Price: As a formidable ex-Oxford Times editor, and crime writer, Mr Price was respected by the great John Le Carré.

Read his obituary here.

Oxford Mail:

PC Andrew Harper: Abingdon-based police officer PC Harper was killed in the line of duty in August. His wife has described him as a 'gentle giant'.

Read her tribute read at his funeral here.