THE sudden death of Stuart Sykes after a short illness has shocked everyone in the Huddersfield Table Tennis community.
Stuart, who was 68, spent over 50 years actively involved in the sport in the Huddersfield area and, to many, was Mr Table Tennis, such was his enthusiasm and dedication.
Stuart was introduced to the sport at the Huddersfield YMCA, the breeding ground for so many players in the 1960s.
In 1963 he moved to Brook Motors and became secretary three years later.
He remained with the club until his death, giving 48 years of service as a talented player, coach and mentor to many of his colleagues, helping to make Brooks the dominant club in the area for many years.
Latterly, Stuart was the Examiner table tennis correspondent, taking his knowledge and enthusiasm into print. He will be sadly missed.
The funeral is at Huddersfield Crematorium tomorrow (1.00).
