TIMES Sport was saddened to learn of the death of Fred Phillips who was well-known and respected by all those involved in local table tennis.

Fred, who lived in Tavistock and died earlier this month aged 77, was one of the founders — and a driving force —behind Okehampton Table Tennis Club, whose present facilities and success are partly due to his love of the game and the club.

He had been the chairman of the club for the past 15 years and played competitively for the Tavistock team, with much success.

A talented player he represented his county and even in his seventies played for the Devon Veterans. One of the highlights was being selected for England Veterans and representing his country in an international table tennis tournament in Bratislava in 2005. At his prime Fred was one of the best players in the county.

Fred, who was a retained firefighter for more than 30 years in Tavistock (he earned both good conduct and long service awards), also represented his county and England’s firefighters at table tennis.

Fellow former town fireman Ted Sherrell described Fred as one ‘of life’s true gentlemen.’

But it was not only that game that Fred excelled in — he was an excellent badminton and snooker player. It was through playing at Tavistock Badminton Club that he met his second wife Diane, who he was married to for 25 years. Fred’s first wife was Rosemary, with whom he had two children, Tracey and Julie.

As well as being a proud retained fireman Fred worked for many years in the building trade,

Diane told the Times: ‘He was a lovely husband, father and “Gramps” to his grandchildren. Fred will be sadly missed.’

Tavistock table tennis player and coach Roger Bowkett, who played in the same team as Fred for many years added:?‘Fred was a wonderful player and a wonderful friend.

‘He was liked and respected by everybody and was always there for all the players. He will be sorely missed by everybody in the Okehampton and Tavistock table tennis community.’

Times Sport and, no doubt, the rest of the West Devon sporting community certainly agree.