I will therefore let his son Dan express it in his words later with his eulogy. However, before doing so I get the privilege of highlighting what he meant to the club and what a fantastic contribution he made over the many years he was a member.

Gary was one of those rare members who start as a player and go on to make a significant contribution in all areas. He was certainly a player and I first knew him when I was 17 years old, some 39 years ago. He had a reputation for being a goal scorer and he certainly was. "Fox in the box" is not a bad cliché - he rarely scored from outside the 6 yard box!

I went on at least 2 Holland tours with him to Geldrop near Eindhoven. The less said about that the better but suffice to say I have many happy memories, as do many people, of that time.

After he finished playing he sponsored many Senior, Vets and Colts teams. He was instrumental in setting up the first incarnation of the Colts section with Ken Thurgood and Graeme Cupit.

Then he went on to become WFC Chairman stepping in when needed to keep the club going.

Most recently he had become a very active social member. For his many friends it is going to be difficult to get over the fact that he is not there at the bar with his bottle of Bud when you walk in - just doesn't seem right.

Now over to Dan:

Dad,

My dad. Gary, OMB, Zero Mike Bravo, Old Decrepit, or simply Buckett. Many phrases were used to describe this great man, all said with affection, some down right abusive but relevant all the same.

On Sunday 13th I lost not only my Dad, but my best friend, words cannot describe the pain and the loss that is being felt by myself and my family. There is a lot of comfort in the knowledge of how much he was loved, and will clearly be missed by you all.

I'll keep this short, but I am truly grateful for everything My Dad allowed us to experience. he ensured that whilst he was able we sampled everything that the fruit of life had to offer. Whether this was sking, jet sking, parachuting, scuba diving, football)obviously not myself, I'm down right atrocious) he shared it with both me and James and for these experiences I'm sure we are better people.

He was a Father figure to many and a friend to all. I'm sure there are a few here that he looked after on many an occasion. He wore his heart on his sleeve and nothing was ever too much bother for him. He always did right by myself, James and most importantly my Mum.

It never mattered to dad how much of an anus any of us behaved like, as I'm sure maony of you have experienced whilst being in his company he was probably far worse behaved than any of us have ever been. He was always there, always on the end of the phone whether that was for a genuine chat or a drunken phone call at 3am, just to sing "Ground control to Major Buckett" he'd somehow, and no doubt on many occasion, regretfully, answer.

I owe my Dad a lot. As all families do we had good times and bad but personally, I'll always remember how when I was going through a particvularly dark time a few years ago he pointed me in the right direction and helped me find my way again. If it hadn't been for him then I think things would have gone South.

I'm going to finish this with a Poem by Tecumpsah. dad was never much for anything arty but I think this sums his attitude to life up quite well.

"Live your life, so that fear 0f death shall never enter your heart.
Question no man about his religion, respect others in their views and demand they respect yours.
Love your life perfect your life, beautify all things in your life.
seek to make your life long and of service to your people.
When your time comes to die, don't be like those that weep and prey for a little more time to live their life over again in a different way.
Sing your death song.
And die like a hero, going home"

We all love you mate, the loss of you hasn't yet sunk in and i'll miss you forever.
In the meantime, you keep that bar propped up for us all with Aaron and the others, don't drink it dry and we'll see you when we re-group on the other side.

When we leave here today the emotion stays locked down. Tonight is a time for drink and to celebrate his life in the manner he would have loved.

.....Let's get wrecked.

Cheers OMB

Gary Arthur Buckett 24th September 1953 ~ 13th April 2014

WFC has made a donation to Gary's two favourite charities - Cancer Research and The Emily Ash Trust