15-5-2008: WELL-KNOWN former champion golfer Bill Thomas, who lived for many years in Budleigh Salterton, has died.

15-5-2008: WELL-KNOWN former champion golfer Bill Thomas, who lived for many years in Budleigh Salterton, has died.

A member for many years at East Devon Golf Club, Bill, and former special policeman, will be fondly remembered for his great personality and reminiscing of the old days.

He was proud of the fact that into his 70s he shot his age around the golf course - no mean feat.

Here two friends, Miles Whitelock and John Lee, pay tribute to Bill, who used to live in Meadow View Road, before moving to Otterton.

They write: "Tall, immaculately dressed, never a hair out of place, courteous and friendly and, above all, an excellent ex-champion golfer and helpful to the less talented - that's how

we remember him.

"Bill was a dedicated supporter of the game, its etiquette and its character.

"He enjoyed playing at the top level and he enjoyed displaying his skills and lending his support to those fortunate enough to be his partners.

"In later life he became a devoted member of East Devon Golf Club. He played in the earlier Emerton Court teams and was an integral part of the winning teams of the Tommy Pearson era, at a time when the club held the Emerton Court Trophy for a number of years running.

"In his younger days, he played as an amateur in the Open Championship at St Andrews in the year it was won by Tony Lema and was awarded a medal to prove it. He won the amateur championship of Wiltshire among many other successes.

"He was a competent cook, especially of cakes and pastries, and home-made cakes were always on the table whenever anyone visited.

"He will be particularly remembered at East Devon by the seniors for his gift of a very handsome silver trophy to be played for once a year between the Senior Section and Budleigh Town Club.

"He will be greatly missed by many friends young and old and will never be forgotten.