A MAN whose life touched many people, and who had enjoyed sport all his life, was remembered with enormous affection when Crediton Parish Church was overflowing for the service to celebrate the life of John Stapleton.

John was 61 when he died this month. The service to celebrate his life was conducted by the Rev Nigel Guthrie. Donations were given to Hospiscare.

Mr Guthrie said John had been "a true Geordie", his parents, Tom and Mary, moving to Devon to run the Crown and Sceptre pub at Newton St Cyres.

John went to Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Crediton, became an articled clerk and qualified while working for his parents in the evenings at the pub. He and Lin were married 39 years ago and had one daughter.

He worked first in Exeter as a chartered accountant, before setting up his own practice in Crediton more than 25 years ago.

He had played rugby for Crediton and helped the club through many changes. He was a member of Kirton Hash House Harriers and of the keep-fit group, the President's Men.

John's love of narrow boats went back to 1976, when he and Lin took their first holiday on a canal boat, buying their own six years later.

He was a member of the Crediton Unity Lodge of Freemasons and also did much work for both Crediton and Shobrooke Parish Churches.

During the service David White spoke about growing up together and their many years as neighbours. He said John had been "a dear friend, a good and generous man of integrity, a man who was careful and thorough."

Paul Harris spoke about John's rugby years saying he had begun his association with Crediton RFC at the age of 17. From 1971-75 John was a First Fifteen regular, hanging up his boots in 1978. He scored 85 tries.

From 1973 he was club treasurer for 12 years, continuing to be a regular supporter. Paul said John had been highly respected by his rugby colleagues.

Ian Penny, who had worked next door to John for many years, said he was "well respected and liked by his colleagues and clients." He was a family man who enjoyed his three grandchildren.

He said John had faced his illness with strength and stoicism. Mr Guthrie said John had been much loved and much appreciated.

S Read