Deal has lost one of its most passionate and well-known sporting figures with the death of Harry Williams at the age of 84.

During his life Mr Williams was involved in a wide range of sporting activities and he touched the lives of many people, young and old.

Official recognition of his contribution to local sport came in 2002 when he was successfully nominated to be one of the baton carriers in the Queen’s Jubilee Relay for the Manchester Commonwealth Games.

Born in Deal, the eldest of four children, Mr Williams worked in the old Baker’s shoe shop in the High Street for 42 years and he was also a volunteer Coastguard and member of Walmer Lifeboat Station.

Motorcycling was Harry’s first sporting love, as he recalled in a Mercury interview back in 2002.

He said: “I used to ride on all the big circuits like Brands Hatch and Snetterton, and also enjoyed some success at scrambling as well.”

Harry was a founder member in the 1950s of the Deal & District Motor Cycle Club and in later years enjoyed several trips to the Isle of Man TT races.

Then, when Baker’s closed, Harry became manager of Dover Leisure Centre and it was there that swimming became another of his prominent sporting interests.

He taught swimming and lifesaving and in 1999 coached a team of swimmers who successfully swam the Channel.

And the old Betteshanger Rugby Club was also very close to his heart. He said: “Rugby came along quite late for me. I didn’t start playing until I was in my thirties but I loved it, and then when I packed up playing I became the Colts team manager for four years and also started the minnows (mini rugby) section with Jimmy Davies in the early 70s.”

And then came his running career, which Harry didn’t take up until he was in his fifties. He joined the old Deal Striders Club, who are now Deal Tri, and ran in many 10k and half marathons as well as the South Foreland marathon.

Jimmy Davies said: “Everything Harry did he did he gave it 100 per cent. He was very happily married to second wife Elaine, and they used to enjoy skiing holidays together.

"Unfortunately in recent years his health wasn’t so good but, with Elaine’s loving care, he was able to stay in their home in Cavell Square.

“He had a great memory and sense of humour and, in this situation, I can imagine him saying, ‘Right, that’s enough, time to go.’

Mr Williams’ funeral will be at Barham Crematorium today (Thursday, May 5) at 4pm.