It is with great sadness that we must report the loss of John Paterson, a long time servant to Golf in the County.
He was Club Captain at both Taunton Vale Golf Club (2004 & 2005) and Long Sutton Golf Club (2018) , and served as a member of the Somerset Golf Union County Executive committee.
John was the Somerset’s first Golf Development Officer, helping many clubs attain Golf mark accreditation.
He then was one of the main instigators in setting golf tournaments for boys and girls just starting out in the game something that has been continued by First for Golf today.
On a personal level, John’s many friends will remember his unfailing sense of humour and good fun. He was great company. He was popular and approachable – always had a word to say to everyone he met.Warm, friendly and funny – a great Club Captain and a true gentleman.
He was a lifelong Aston Villa fan!
In recent years, John has represented Somerset Golf Captains on several occasions. The following extracts from the match reports capture a little of his sense of humour!
- In 2018, at home at Long Sutton vs Devon (playing with Captain of Captains Andy Carter). According to the match report: “Andy Carter and John Paterson played against Ben Lynch and David Barker. This was a great game to finish the competitive season with superb company alongside JP and the Devon captains Ben and David. This was a tough game that started slowly for Somerset, but we rose to the top like the Excalibur – “Lady of the Lake”. A 2&1 win for Somerset in the first match.”
- In 2019, at Weston Super mare vs Somerset Golf Union Executive (this time with his great mate Paul Chesney, another former Taunton Vale Captain and Villa supporter) The match report recalls : “Paul Chesney & John Paterson played against immediate past Captain of Captains Andy Carter & Kev Perdy. The two ex-Taunton Vale and life long Villa fans gelled and were never behind; 3 up at the turn including a birdie for Paul on the 8th!. They also won 11, 12 and 13 to secure a winning margin of 6&5. JP holed in one on the 5th– but it was the second marker post hole which runs between the 5thand 6thholes”
- In 2019, at Wells against the Somerset Ladies past captains Association (Playing with Tim Nicholls) NB. Carole was playing for the opposition! The match report recalls that “Tim Nicholls and John Paterson played against Faye Galley and Virginia Suttle. This was a great game played in a good spirit until the 16th when the ladies tried to take out John Paterson with one of their trolleys! Luckily he was saved by the ditch. All square at the end for an honourable half”
Our thoughts at this time are with his wife Carole and the Family
R.I.P. J.P.