Tributes have poured in for Barnard Castle Golf Club stalwart Geoff Wall, who has died aged 72.
Club members and former police colleagues described him as “a true gentleman who was a pleasure to know.”
A former resident of Staindrop, he played cricket for Raby Castle and was involved with the Glaxo football team before golf became his passion.
He was seniors’ captain in 2022 and club captain the following year before bravely taking over as chairman at a time when he hoped to win his battle with secondary cancer.
He had to concede defeat two months ago, handing over to Peter Chadbourn, who said: “Geoff’s commitment and dedication will continue to inspire us all.
“He will be warmly remembered and sorely missed. Our heartfelt condolences to his family.”
After standing down as chairman, Geoff said: “It is with great sadness that I have had to resign. I have been a member for over 20 years and it has been a great honour to serve as captain and chairman. I have also made many valued friends.
“We have been fortunate to have had an influx of influential people keen to get involved.
“People are encouraged by the hard work of the committee and more are coming forward to help.”
Geoff was a detective inspector based at Bishop Auckland, where his colleagues knew him as Rocky’
He was instrumental in the eight-year-investigation to track down and recover the The Bowes Museum’s stolen gold mouse in 1994.
He leaves his wife, Eileen, son Scott, daughter Courtney and four grandchildren, Phoebe, Jack, Robyn and Eydis.
