A FORMER Kidderminster Hockey Club member has died, aged 88.

John Gilbert played for the club for more than 40 years and was a life member. He died at Herons Park Nursing Home last Friday.

Mr Gilbert played for three of the Midlands county hockey sides, including Worcestershire, and some of his goalscoring achievements were featured in The Shuttle.

The father of three was an active member of Kidderminster Rotary Club, where he was involved in fund-raising projects and initiatives. He became president of the club in 1979.

He was also a member of St George’s Church Choir, Kidderminster Choral Society and Kidderminster Bridge Club.

After serving in the RAF as an electrical engineer during the Second World War, Mr Gilbert started his own electrical contracting business in Kidderminster.

John B Gilbert Engineer and Contractor specialised in 24-hour emergency repairs and its customer base included local carpet factories and Kidderminster Dairy.

He married his late wife, Louie, in 1947 and leaves three children, Susan, David and Jacqueline, grandchildren, Katy, Philip, Brendan and Natalee and great-grandchildren, Emma Louie and Sophie Ann.

Mr Gilbert’s funeral service will be held at Stourbridge Crematorium on Tuesday, March 10, at 11.40am.