Tributes have been pouring in after the sudden death of the former long-standing chairman of Southwell Lawn Tennis Club who was described by many as a ‘Good Samaritan’.
Richard Nix, 70, is credited with keeping the tennis club in good shape after volunteering on the committee for 16 years, which included 10 years as chairman.
During his time, Richard negotiated a new lease with the council, arranged for the courts to be resurfaced and continued to ensure that the club ran smoothly with many often-unnoticed day-to-day jobs.
Richard, who had worked as a chartered surveyor with British Coal before he retired at the age of 50, was also the groundsman at Oxton Cricket Club for more than 10 years during the 80s.
After many years’ service to the tennis club, Richard stepped down in 2019 to allow him to focus more on playing tennis and his other passions: road cycling, badminton and table tennis.
Wife Joan, who was married to Richard for 44 years, said: “Richard would help anyone – he was always there for anyone who needed him, whether he knew them or not. We had a long and happy marriage with many great memories. He was greatly loved by us all and will be hugely missed.”
Richard, who was born in Oxton and moved to Southwell in the 1980s, also loved motorbikes, quizzes, crosswords and hiking.
Daughter Carolyn said: “My dad was a really good man. He helped the neighbours with jobs and always mended the bikes of his friends. Once when out riding he found a fellow cyclist struggling to repair his bike so he bought him back home and helped. He was a Good Samaritan for anyone in need. He loved doing things for people and was always welcoming.”
Club members and friends were quick to pay tribute to Richard.
Friend John Green said: “He will be remembered at the tennis club for the huge amount of work he put in as Chairman. I will remember him has a great friend and a cycling companion.”
Ian Parker added: “Richard was very good at helping out his friends. We had a small cycling group and Richard was always happy to organise routes as well as taking the lead for the inevitable punctures and breakdowns. He will be very much missed.”
Women’s tennis team captain Barbara Thorne said: “Richard worked tirelessly and was extremely dedicated to the running of the club on behalf of its members. He will be greatly missed.”
Richard leaves his wife Joan, daughter Carolyn, and son Steven.
There will be a private funeral which is for Richard's family, however there will also a Remembrance Service which you are welcome to attend
The Rememberance Service will be at 11:30 on March 28th at Trinity Church and afterwards at Norwood Park
Joan has said that she would prefer you to wear some bright colours rather than black and would also like to thank you for all the lovely flowers and cards she has received.