Tributes have been made to a Marlow Bowls Club legend who played for the county over 500 times and represented England for a number of years.
Ian John Harvey passed away on January 8 in hospital aged 91 and will be missed by his two children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren as well as in the bowls community.
He began playing bowls in his early life taking it up at Jacksons in Bourne End before joining Marlow Bowls Club.
Being a member of Marlow Bowls Club for over 60 years, Ian held many positions within the club along with winning a long list of trophies.
His international career stretched from 1969 to 1973 and he was part of the team that won the British Isles Championships, in addition to winning the national triples and national fours.
His son, Chris Harvey, described his late father as Marlow’s “second most accomplished sportsman” behind rower Sir Steve Redgrave.
He said: “We will miss him massively, unfortunately, the last few years of his life he had dementia and even though its a terrible disease, we still had smiles.
“The longevity in supporting Marlow Bowls Club meant he was iconic in the sport that he played.
“We have had well-wishes from up and down the country because he was so well known.”
Ian won Marlow’s club singles nine times, the pairs nine times and the secretary cup ten times and played for the county over 500 times, more than anyone else.
In county competitions, he won the singles once, pairs twice and triples three times.
Ian was awarded the Bowls England Certificate of Merit which is given to individuals that are deemed to have provided outstanding service to the sport at club and county levels.
A Buckinghamshire Bowls Association spokesperson said: “Ian was a life member of Marlow Bowls Club with over 60 years continuous membership.
“In his time at the club he had served in many positions, including secretary, fixture secretary and president.
“He had also served as president of Bucks County Bowls Association and an honorary member.
“Ian was well known throughout the county and beyond for his bowling ability. “
A Marlow Bowls Club spokesperson said: “Ian had progressed to a very good level of bowling and was awarded a Bowls England Certificate of Merit, having clocked up 500 appearances for Bucks County.
“Ian still bowled until late in life and will be sadly missed.”
The funeral will be held on February 20 at Amersham Crematorium at 11:30 with the wake following at Marlow Bowls Club.
It is requested to be family flowers only but donations can be made and will be given to the bowls club and charities supporting care and research charity for people with dementia.
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