FRIENDS and family of Eddy Ruse, a longstanding and popular member of The Sidmouth Club, who died aged 101, gathered this week to pay their respects. Mr Ruse, who moved to Sidbury with his wife Joan in 1983, died in Sidmouth Victoria Hospital on Friday, N

FRIENDS and family of Eddy Ruse, a longstanding and popular member of The Sidmouth Club, who died aged 101, gathered this week to pay their respects.

Mr Ruse, who moved to Sidbury with his wife Joan in 1983, died in Sidmouth Victoria Hospital on Friday, November 13.

"The figure 13 featured in his life and both our lives," said Mrs Ruse.

"It was a lucky number. Even if it was a small or big thing it came into our being."

Mr Ruse, who was born in Plymouth in 1908, began a pharmacist's apprenticeship at the age of 15 and qualified on the 13th of the month in 1932 in the London area.

He owned a number of pharmacies over the years and even after his retirement his passion for this subject continued.

Mrs Ruse added: "If anyone asked him what was his secret of living so long he would say 'I'm a retired pharmacist and I don't tend to take much medication'."

After selling his Eastbourne pharmacy in 1968, Mr Ruse built a house in the country then started a development company.

"He certainly enjoyed living and was not one to stay at home," said Mrs Ruse.

"He was my rock and he taught me so much, I will sadly miss him."

A very keen snooker player, Mr Ruse enjoyed spending time at The Sidmouth Club, which he was a member of for 26 years.

Peter Whitfield, president of The Sidmouth Club, said: "Eddy was much respected- he enjoyed the companionship and a good game of snooker."

A photograph of Mr Ruse playing snooker with his friends at his 100th birthday party hangs in the club bar- a fitting tribute to the popular player, who reached the singles final at the age of 95.

Dr Andy Ridler, a close friend of Mr Ruse, said: "He was a very cheerful and happy sort of guy, very kind and always immaculately turned out. He was just a very nice person to be around."

Mr and Mrs Ruse moved from Sidbury to Cottington Court, Sidmouth in 1997 and he remained active until suffering a mild stroke in March.

But, said Mrs Ruse: "He was very much with it until the last moment."

Mr Ruse's funeral was held at the United Reformed Church on Tuesday.