Tributes paid to past president of Spalding and Welland Rotary Club, Welland Yacht Club and fundraiser for Magpas Air Ambulance

A Spalding businessman who organised and hosted an annual variety show for charity has died suddenly, aged 66.

Richard Thacker, president of Spalding and Welland Rotary Club in 2013-14, passed away suddenly on Boxing Day, leaving behind his wife Jane and son James.

Mr Thacker, who ran a haulage business specialising in carrying abnormal loads, was responsible for the Rotary Club's variety show in aid of Age UK which took place every year at South Holland Centre, Spalding.

He was also heavily involved in the club's annual Two Lips Ball and helped organise the annual Gateway Sports Day for people with physical and learning disabilities.

Fellow Rotarian Peter Atkinson said: "Richard was a member of the club for many years.

"Every March, he single-handedly organised the Rotary Club Variety Show for Age UK, finding the artists and compering the whole show.

"Richard was also the Master of Ceremonies for the club's Two Lips Ball each year and he took the microphone for the Gateway Sports Day as well, with support from Mencap and Nene Valley Harriers Athletics Club.

Outside of his many Rotary Club roles, Mr Thacker was a member of Spalding's Castle Sports Complex and played a leading role in the development of Tydd St Giles Golf and Country Club.

He was also a former Commodore (president) of Welland Yacht Club where he encouraged and taught people how to sail.

Friend and fellow Welland Yacht Club member Andy Prior said: "Many people will have very fond memories of Richard as he was the sort of person who made a strong impression on people.

"In addition to being a good friend and neighbour, Richard and I were both members of Welland Yacht Club and the Rotary Club of Spalding and Welland together.

"I particularly have fond and happy memories of a number of sailing holidays we had together with our wives in Greece and Croatia.

"Richard was always 100 per cent committed to whatever he chose to do, including in his role as Commodore of Welland Yacht Club in 2012 and 2013.

"As a very active member of Spalding Rotary Club, Richard was instrumental in the merger of the club with Welland Centenary Rotary Club to form the new Rotary Club of Welland and Spalding, having been club President at the time of the merger."

After surviving a serious crash three years ago, Mr Thacker became a fundraiser for Magpas Air Ambulance, donating £1,500 worth of proceeds from the 2017 Rotary Two Lips Charity Call to the life-saving charity.

Son James said: "My father had an infectious personality and spent his life helping and guiding others.

"He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends."