MANOR Park have paid tribute to "a remarkable and talented friend" following the death of club stalwart Sam Mackenzie, who has died aged 87.

Mackenzie, who was a club Trustee at the Malvern club for over 30 years, died on Wednesday, November 22 after being taken to Worcester Hospital on the Sunday. The club say he died peacefully with his family around him.

He was a popular figure who contributed heavily over a number of decades and Club President Pat Burke described him as 'Mr Manor Park'.

"The Manor Park that we all enjoy today is largely due to the efforts, wisdom and expertise of Sam. He was involved in all the major improvements that we have today.

"His knowledge, persistence and commitment to all sections of Manor Park are a testament to his many talents.

"I am sure that those who were lucky enough to have known Sam will join me in sending our sympathy to Pam, to Sam's daughter, Karen and to all of his family.

"He was a kind and caring man who loved Manor Park and he always did his best for us all. He really was Mr. Manor Park.

"We have truly been lucky to have had Sam as a central figure at Manor Park and we have lost a remarkable and talented friend."

Mackenzie has had a lasting impact on the club as it stands today. He was involved in the building of the indoor bowls hall, travelled to various countries in Europe to decide on the surfaces for the indoor tennis courts and supervised the construction of the original two tennis courts you can see today. His experience and knowledge of grass was heavily down to the work he did for Fisons (a British multinational pharmaceutical company) and there were rarely problems on playing surfaces that he couldn't cope with: he always had a large tool kit in his car for instant repairs.

Sam, who also did National service in the British Army, played tennis at the club for many seasons before retiring, but that did not stop his involvement at Manor Park. He went on serve on the Management Committee, was also a Trustee for over 30 years and served and chaired the MACIT (Malvern and County Indoor Tennis) committee for 28 years.

Mackenzie was a very talented artist and some of his paintings are in the club, but he also exhibited his work and completed many commissions. His love of birds and his knowledge of nature in general was quite exceptional, as was his love his dogs, particularly Labradors and 'Sandy' was often seen 'helping' him at Manor Park.