It is with much sadness that we have learnt of the death of Ron Spencer at the age of 76 years on 21st August 2021. Ron was an excellent administrator of the Hastings & District Table Tennis Association and long-time player for well over 50 years. He was made a Vice-President of the Association in 1977/78 and later served two terms of office as President, in 1985/96 and 2001/02. He was also a former Chairman (1989-2003) and General Secretary (1976-89 and 1999-2001) and at the time of his death was the Calendar Secretary and Chairman of the Honours Committee. Ron also, for many years, maintained and preserved the Association’s records which are an invaluable asset.
A member of the NALGO Table Tennis Club, it was always a pleasure to play against Ron, who had his own distinctive style, which made him a very tricky opponent. Although not playing in the highest divisions, Ron, nonetheless, maintained a good average in his matches which were played in a competitive and sporting manner.
Ron was not only committed to the Hastings Association but also served on the Sussex County Table Tennis Association Committee for many years and made the position of Calendar Secretary his own. For his services to the County he was made a Vice-President in 1999.
A modest and unassuming man, Ron will be missed by all who knew him.
Our condolences go to Ron’s sister Eileen.
A small private funeral service is to be held on Tuesday, 21st September 2021 at 11.15am at Hastings Crematorium. This is to be followed by a celebration of Ron’s life at Halton Baptist Church, Old London Road, Hastings at 1pm to which all are welcome. Any donations can be sent c/o Hinkley Funeral Service, 50 Mount Pleasant Road, Hastings TN34 3SH in aid of St Michael’s Hospice.
Diane Webb
10th September 2021
