18-12-08: Representatives of sports clubs in the Sid Valley joined family at the funeral of John Griffiths. A prominent member of Sidmouth Golf Club and supporter of other sporting organisations in the town, he died last week at the age of 69 after a short illness

18-12-08: Representatives of sports clubs in the Sid Valley joined family at the funeral of John Griffiths.

A prominent member of Sidmouth Golf Club and supporter of other sporting organisations in the town, he died last week at the age of 69 after a short illness.

Born in Prestatyn, he worked in retail in the North West before heading South to live at West Hill and take a post with the former Normans store in Budleigh Salterton.

Moving to Sidmouth in the 1990s, he lived firstly in Fortescue and then Harcombe Lane.

In semi-retirement he put his entrepreneurial nature into a coffee supply business.

His competitiveness in business was duplicated in sport and after joining Sidmouth Golf Club in 1988 he represented it in East Devon League matches. He was elected club captain in 1995.

He applied his business acumen to the running of the club and had two spells as chairman of the management committee, from 2000 to 2003 and from 2004 to 2007.

As well as enjoying playing, he derived great pleasure from watching sport, particularly the exploits of only son Anthony on the Fort Field and other Devon cricket grounds.

With his no-nonsense, forthright views and dark humour he and his wife Olivia were rarely without company, eager to hear what he had to say.

The funeral was held at St Peter's Chapel, Exeter.

READERS' TRIBUTES:

John was a dear friend to my Mum and Dad Charles and Betty Warren who lived in West Hill and now in Sidmouth. A golfing friend also they both played at Sidmouth and other places. My children, now 20 and 24 years old, have fond memories of visiting John and Olivia for tea and scones in their garden in Fortescue when they were only 7 and 11 years old. John played croquet with them in their lovely garden. My parents are unfortunately away in Florida until end of March where they go every year for the winter. They were deeply upset at the sudden illness and shock of his parting.

Mandy Saunders, Seaton

My twin brother John (who always reminded me he was the eldest by 2 hours 45 minutes) was always the life and sole of our family and friends. At family gatherings when over Christmas we played cards - if he was losing - he sat on his handkerchief and yes he won all the time thereafter. He attended Caldy Grange Grammar School before starting his career with F. W Woolworth, in the No. 1 store in Church Street, Liverpool, and then moved South. He was a choirester at the local Parish Church in Hoylake on the Wirral from age 4 until 15. When he was 14 he won The North of England Table Tennis Championship, beating professionals and non-professionals. He loved playing tennis and his beloved Liverpool Football Club. John and I were estranged for a long time before I moved to Australia, but thankfully we re-united earlier this year. Our cousins - Jean, Avril, Yvonne, Jane & Susan with their respective partners were deeply saddened by John's death and not being at his funeral RIP John.

Angela Scott (nee Griffiths)

We were shocked and saddened to hear of John's sudden and untimely passing. We have known both him and Olivia since they moved to West Hill and subsequently to Sidmouth. We have enjoyed many meals together and 'friendly' card evenings. With John even friendly games were competitive and I still have the bruises on my shins from the last Bridge evening! Sidmouth golf will never be the same for Charles. After partnering John in competitions he will be a hard act to follow as he always played to win. We have followed the progress of their son Anthony's sporting prowess with great interest as he is just like his father, with his winning ways! John was justifiably so proud of him. We will miss you John and Wednesdays will never be the same again!

Charles & Betty Warren (Sidmouth)