Keith Lovegrove was known to many as Chunky, a nickname given to him at an early age as a friendly joke about his skinny build.

He died at Prospect Hospice on January 12 at the age of 74. A small private funeral will be held tomorrow morning at Kingsdown Crematorium.

Close friend Dave Selwood paid tribute to a person he proudly called one of Swindon’s finest all-round sportsmen.

“That slim-looking body was never going to hold him back from excelling in every sport that he attempted," he said.

“He became a Wiltshire Youth Champion at table tennis,and later as a Wiltshire Minor Counties cricketer, topping the batting averages on several occasions.

“Keith was an ever-present member of Swindon British Rail Cricket Club,when not representing the county team.

“Not only a cricketer, Keith was a really gifted hockey player with the North Wilts Club and very competent footballer with a number of local sides.”

A life-changing injury ended his cricket career and stopped him playing any sport professionally, but Keith did not let this get him down and found a new sport to adore at a less competitive level.

“In his early thirties, Keith’s cricket days were cruelly cut short when he was involved in a car accident while returning from a trip to Lords," explained Dave.

“He sustained serious eye damage,which prevented him from playing the game he loved to his usual high standards.

“Perhaps his greatest love in later years was playing golf with his many friends.

“Keith was one of life’s characters, a very socially-minded man, and always popular with his team mates and opponents alike - usually in the bar after games.”

When not playing on the pitch, on the links or at the wicket, Keith enjoyed a busy career as an engineer.

He spent some time in the Merchant Navy before returning to Swindon, where he worked for a number of local engineering companies in a management services position.

His last job before retirement was at the Royal Mail depot in Dorcan.

Keith leaves a wife Cynthia, and children Emma, Alison, James and Steven.

Although only family members and close friends can attend his funeral due to Covid-related safety restrictions, donations to Prospect Hospice in Keith’s memory can be made care of A.E.Smith & Son by calling 01793 522023.