TRIBUTES have been paid to a former policeman and champion amateur golfer who served the community for more than three decades.

Peter Livesey, who was 66 and lived in Wilpshire, died at home on August 22 after battling cancer and Parkinson’s disease.

Mr Livesey was a well known police officer in Blackburn for 31 years, joining as a cadet and working extensively in the town before ending his career in CID.

His enduring passion was golf, joining Wilpshire Golf Club near his home as a junior and spending 49 years as a member.

He won the President’s Cup three times, The Wilpshire Cup twice and was club champion three times.

Mr Livesey also shot the course record of 63, a score which was not beaten for a number of years.

His wife Pauline died in 2003 and he leaves one daughter, Helen McLean, 27.

She said: “Dad was so well known and respected and wherever he went people would greet him with a smile after remembering him from his days on the police force.

“He was laid back, always had a joke and had a great many stories to tell.

“He was upset when ill health prevented him from playing golf in his final years, it was his passion.

“I’ve been overwhelmed with the messages of sympathy since he died.”

John Ditchfield was a friend and former golf partner of Mr Livesey.

He is a former captain, president and secretary of Wilpshire Golf Club and has been a member of the club for 41 years.

He said: “Peter was a well-liked and very friendly fellow. Everyone who knew him will have a good word to say about him.

“He was a very talented golfer and loved to play the course.

“He got that from his mother and father, Nellie and Charles, who were also members. It’s sad to see him taken at a relatively young age.”

Mr Livesey’s former police colleagues will wear dress uniform and be pallbearers at his funeral which will take place on Monday, September 8 at 11am at St Peter’s Church, Salesbury.