AFTER meeting Jack Hayes for the first time you came away with an impression of a modest but quietly determined Englishman, someone who enjoyed what he was doing and did it well with determination but without trumpets or a fanfare.

News of his death at Shrewsbury, on September 13, aged 92, will sadden many Kirtonians, especially those he taught during a post Second World War career at Crediton which embraced first Hayward's School, the Shelley School and then Queen Elizabeth's School, where he was Head of Careers and a geography teacher.

Before the Second World War began Jack was teaching in London and playing rugby for the Old Elysians club. When war came he joined the Army and served with the Ghurkhas in the Far East, earning the Burma Star. Jack lived in Exeter and was a member of the Exeter Burma Star Association..

Away from teaching his great passion in sport was rugby and when he arrived at Crediton in 1952 it was only to be expected that he would join Crediton RFC. He was actively involved with the club from the 1950s to the 1980s, serving first as press officer and then chairman from 1975 to 1977, president for 10 years from 1987 and was honoured by being made a life member

Jack kept a meticulous record of the performance of the club's teams and also found time to write a regular and well read club column for the Courier.

He was devoted to encouraging young rugby players, particularly the club's Colts' team.

When his wife, Peggy died, Jack moved from his home in Exeter to live near his family in Shropshire. He died whilst residing at the Radbrook Nursing Home, Shrewsbury.

The funeral service will take place at Shrewsbury Crematorium, on Friday, September 25 at 11.20am.

The family have requested that there be family flowers only but donations, if desired, should be sent to the Ghurkha Trust or the Gifty Steer Unit at Crediton Hospital. AS