UPDATE: John’s funeral will be held at 11.00 am on Monday 11th October, at Cam Valley Crematorium, Great Chesterford, CB10 1FE, and afterwards at Royston Golf Club, SG8 5BG.

Leaving Hertford Grammar School in the late 1950s, John joined the Old Hertfordians Rugby Club playing initially in the back row and later at prop. A determined player and a most convivial team-mate - many will remember his performances at the annual Southend Easter tour, both on and off the field!

John was a keen cricketer and, encouraged by his golfing father, developed a lifelong love of that game playing leading roles with many clubs and societies, and many will remember his golfing exploits with the OH Golfing Society.

One of his defining interests was the Wooden Spoon Charity for disabled children.

John leaves a wife, Angela, three sons - John, William and Ben and four granddaughters.

Details of funeral arrangements to follow.