CANTERBURY Hockey Club stalwart Jon Ward, affectionately known as "Creature" or "Creech" has died at the city’s Pilgrim’s Hospice following a courageous fight against cancer.

Mr Ward, born in 1951 in India, was the son of a tea plantation manager, and came to prep school in Ashford when he was eight. In September 1964, he went to St Edmund’s School, Canterbury.

While still at school, he "filled in" for Canterbury Hockey Club during the Easter vacation and in 1969, became a full member of the club. He excelled on the field as a defender and become well-known for his reverse stick tackle.

Newly-appointed Canterbury president Richard Goodenough said: "He was a placid, easy-going character, full of mischief, but without malice. His enigmatic charm attracted a huge following of friends to whom he was impeccably loyal.

"Together with a huge circle of friends, who admired his zest for life and sense of fun, members of Canterbury Hockey Club, in particular, will mourn the loss of this much loved and very special friend."

Chairman John Hinchliff added: "For a man who was, in fact, a very private individual, he had friends in all walks of life and enriched the lives of people in a way that they will always look back on with happy memories and a wry smile. He will be greatly missed."

The funeral service will be held at Barham Crematorium on Monday, July 11, at 2.30pm, and afterwards at Polo Farm Sports Club.

The family have requested no flowers, but donations to the hospice, via Lyons, St Gregory’s, Military Road, Canterbury or directly to the hospice will be gratefully received.

Family and close friends feel that those attending the service should dress in a way, which Mr Ward would have appreciated rather than more traditional sombre dress.