Puddy broke into the Chinnor First XV in 1984 at the tender age of 17. Although, for a prop, that was pretty much unheard of at the time, he did have looks on his side – not so much good looks, but the middle aged, cauliflowered ear look of someone already well established in the dark arts of the front row. If anyone was born to prop, it was Gary Pudwell and he went on to make 432 appearances for the First XV.

He was an old school tighthead in every sense who was well suited to the muddy fields of Towersey. He was an uncompromising scrummager who loved nothing better than spending 80 minutes with his nose an inch above the ground, not having touched the ball all game - no one loved a knock on more than Pud. His prowess in the tight was notorious throughout the home counties and beyond and earnt him not only representative honours at junior and senior level for Buckinghamshire, but also enormous respect and affinity throughout the whole front row community. His committed habit of seeking out his opposite number for a pint after every match in no small part contributed to the respect with which he was held.

Like many successful and enduring players, Gary did not stand still. He trained hard and could often be seen on a Wednesday night putting in extra training around the roads and fields of Thame and Long Crendon. He also worked on his handling skills and it was no surprise that he had a short and successful spell at Northampton. He always looked back on this period with great fondness, particularly as he was able to spend time alongside two of England’s greatest ever props – Gary Pearce and Piggy Powell (to whom Pud bore an uncanny resemblance).

However, Puddy’s heart was always firmly with Chinnor. Chinnor was his true love and, if his passion sometimes overflowed both on and off the pitch, it was because nothing stirred him more than his beloved Club. He gave everything he had to Chinnor both on and off the field including, on a Saturday night, the large majority of his previous week’s earnings. He travelled the country in support of his beloved Chinnor and gained respect from the clubs he visited with his informed views and strident observations. The opposition supporters were not so bothered about the presence of our President or Chairman but they were disappointed if Puddy was not on the touchlines.

And Chinnor gave everything to Gary. For Gary was, despite his huge presence on the field (and, in later years, off it), inherently shy. However, his relationship with Chinnor enabled him to flourish not just as a player, but as a person. It endowed him with respect in the community, helped develop his confidence and enabled him to forge so, so many deep and rewarding friendships across all ages. All of this opened up the world to Gary and he shared so many wonderful and memorable sporting trips to the likes of Hong Kong, Australia, France and, of course, his much adored Cornwall which increasingly came to rival (but not usurp) Chinnor as his happy place.

The Club presented Gary with an Honorary Life Membership last summer for his many decades of contribution to the Club to a standing ovation from all present and typically he commented that there were far more deserving recipients than him. We beg to differ.

Those privileged enough to have played with, against and/or befriended Gary, will all be feeling his loss very greatly. However, despite his passing, he will continue to be part of the fabric of Chinnor Rugby Football Club and, to many of us, the rest of our lives.

We will as soon as we are able, publish details around any funeral and celebration of life arrangements.