"A pillar" of Mudeford Club has died after a lengthy coronavirus battle

The "kind-hearted" community stalwart, who was the longest-serving secretary in the history of The Mudeford Club, battled coronavirus for eight weeks but died ten days after testing negative for the disease.

"John had a greater knowledge of the membership and history of the Club than just about anyone.

John Philip Augustus Oliver, who also served as treasurer of Stanpit Village Hall, has left a big hole in the lives of his beloved wife Sally, three children and eight grandchildren, hundreds of friends and the Stanpit community.

Sally said: "John loved golf and rugby, which he played in his younger days to professional standard. He was an interesting man with a very kind heart. He loved his family and his grandchildren and was interested in the politics of the day. 

He was an interesting man with a very kind heart.

"Unfortunately John became ill and contracted Covid19 in hospital where he remained positive for the disease for the following eight weeks. John became very ill, by which time he had been in three different hospitals. 
"For the final ten days of John's life he tested negative for coronavirus. He passed away in Bridport hospital on June 5. He was not allowed any visitors for all this time until the very last week of his life. It was a horrendous time for him. That will remain in my mind forever."

Richard Leyshon,entertainments secretary of the Mudeford Club said: "It was with deep and profound regret that we learned of the sad passing of our long-term Secretary, John Oliver. John had suffered a prolonged period in hospital so whilst his passing was not entirely unexpected, it was nevertheless a very sad moment for the many people who had worked and socialised with him at his beloved Mudeford Club as well as those from Stanpit Village Hall, where he had also been heavily involved, freely giving his time and expertise."

"John was for many years one of the pillars on which the Mudeford Club stood. He oversaw the transition from the paper age into the computer age and had a greater knowledge of the membership and history of the Club than just about anyone. His lengthy term as Secretary must be one of the longest periods of service the Club has seen in its history. 
His absence will be sorely felt on both a personal and professional level and the Club will forever owe him a debt of gratitude."

John Oliver was born on May 31, 1934 and during his working life was employed with Polaroid and AGFA Camera. 
Sally added: "We had lovely service at Christchurch Ceremony Hall at Tappers Funeral Service on June 24, and will have a celebration of his life at a later date."