HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a ‘quiet man’ who championed grassroots football for more than 40 years.

John Haydock, of Stanhill Lane, Oswaldtwistle passed away surrounded by family at Royal Preston Hospital on Tuesday, May 19 after a short battle against a brain infection, aged 68.

The former head of languages at Hollins Technology College was also a revered scout leader, member of the Guide Conservative Club, and organist at Rhyddings Methodist Church.

Tess Haydock, who married John 32 years ago after meeting at Hollins where she was also a teacher, said his death would leave a ‘massive hole’ in the family. After the pair married in 1983 John took on her children David, John, Michael, and Lynne as his own.

She said: “He was a quiet and unassuming man but he was meticulous in everything he did and expected others to be too, but he had a great sense of humour.

“We have had so many messages of support on email which has been lovely.

“Whilst he was a teacher he took hundreds of children away on foreign exchanges to France and many have been getting in touch to offer condolences.

“He will leave a massive hole in the family.”

Outside of school John had a passion for football and was a lifelong Blackburn Rovers fan, managed Guide Conservative Club’s football team and was secretary of Blackburn Sunday League Football.

Tess, 75, added: “He loved football at every level and he was honoured by the Lancashire Football Association for 30 years service for his contribution.”

John was also a keen pianist and was the organist at Rhyddings Methodist Church for many years.

Tess said: “The organ at Rhyddings is a digital one, so when John used to have to go away for the football he recorded songs which could be played back on the organ.

“At his funeral we will have some of the pieces performed by John playing, it will be a fitting tribute.”

John leaves wife Tess, stepsons David, John and Michael and stepdaughter Lynne, step-grandchildren Kayleigh, Jade, Rachael, Joseph and Shane and great-step grandson Liam.

His funeral service will be held at Rhyddings Methodist Church from 1.30pm on Friday, May 29 followed by cremation at Pleasington. For full obituary see page 14.