Members of Falmouth Bowling Club are this week mourning the loss of their longest serving member, Denis Richards, who was 85. Denis, pictured right, died at The Royal Cornwall Hospital, in Truro, on January 5.

He was captain of the club in 1980 and served as chairman of the executive committee for many years. He also headed the club’s working party and was an active member of its social committee, arranging old time dancing events on a regular basis.

When the club was awarded a Lottery grant in 2000-2001 to install a new artificial green and update its premises, Denis was in a working party that made a new modern bar, new kitchen and two new changing rooms, saving the club many thousands of pounds.

He was a keen bowler and a member of Falmouth’s C team who, in 1987, won the league. At that time it was often said that it was harder to be selected for the C team than for the A team. With his son Andy, they were consistent performers in the county father and son competitions. Denis and his family donated a set of six honour boards to the club and, in September 2008, when the new mixed league was formed, Denis donated a perpetual shield for the winners. During his illness, Denis visited the club on several occasions, in his wheelchair, to watch his trophy being played for and presented. He bore his illness and amputations with great strength and fortitude and not once did he doubt that he would make a full recovery. When visited by family and friends he was always bright and cheerful and never downhearted.

Denis will be sorely missed at Falmouth and club members have sent their sincere condolences to Diane, his wife, his children, Andy and Alison, and their families, at their great loss.

The funeral service will be held at Penmount Crematorium, Truro, tomorrow at 2pm, (Thursday, January 15).