TRIBUTE: Broadwater community worker Roy Hunter '“ a 'brilliant chap'

Roy, vice chairman of Broadwater Community Association (BCA), died at St Barnabas House hospice on May 20, aged 75.

He was also well-known for his years of work at Worthing Football Club, where he was first a committee member in the mid-1970s.

Roy's years of work behind the stadium microphone, announcing the teams and other public information, earned him a cult following at the Woodside Road ground for his legendary interpretations of foreign player names.

Family man

Roy's widow, Pam, said: "He was a gentle, lovely man. He was just lovely. He loved his football.

"He loved meeting people and talking to people.

"He was so friendly. He didn't have a bad word to say about anybody. He took them as they came."

The couple, who had six children and stepchildren between them and 15 grandchildren, recently moved to Mardale Road, Salvington, after previously living in Broadwater Street East.

Footballer's exit

The funeral cortege passed the football ground on its way to Worthing Crematorium as a mark of respect to Roy's work at the club.

And as the curtains closed towards the end of the cremation service, the packed chapel gave Roy the send-off he requested near the end of his life.

"He had his footballer's exit," said Pam. "As the curtains went down he was applauded. The roof nearly came off."

Brilliant chap

Morty Hollis, president of Worthing FC, said: "He was a character in his own right and he was a loyal worker for me for many years.

"We just can't find that kind of person now.

"All football clubs need Roy Hunters, that can turn their hands to most things in the club.

"Another Roy would be very hard to find."

Brian Fullick, chairman of the BCA, described Roy as "a brilliant chap" and remembered him starting the weekly bingo nights which continue to run at the Broadwater Parish Rooms, which both men helped run.

He said: "It started off at five people and it's now up to 35 to 40 people.

"I'm going to miss my old sparring partner.

"We used to call each other all kinds of names. It used to keep the old ladies amused."

Carnival floats

Roy was a driving force behind the association's prize-winning float at the annual Broadwater Carnival and played a big part each Christmas in the association's Santa's Grotto.

Did you know Roy Hunter?

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