Cricketer, golfer and goalkeeper, landlord raised charity thousands Sad farewell to popular Vic, a good sport in all he did

Des Connolly

kentishgazette@thekmgroup.co.uk CANTERBURY is mourning the loss of one of its most colourful characters after the death of former pub landlord Vic Redpath.

He died suddenly on January 31, aged 73, just weeks after being given the all-clear after a triple heart by-pass operation.

The popular grandfather was a former landlord at the Chapter Arms, Chartham Hatch, a great supporter of local sports clubs, a keen golfer and fundraiser for a host of good causes.

Canterbury born and bred, his mother was shocked when he joined the RAF aged just 17 to become a dog handler, later serving on Christmas Island, the atomic testing site.

He left the RAF after six years, worked in several pubs and ran a mineral company with Roy Baker.

In 1987 he met Una Rolf, licensee of the Chapter Arms, whose husband, Bob, had died in 1984.

Together, Una and Vic ran the pub until 2000 when they retired to Highfield Close, Canterbury.

While at the Chapter Arms, Vic organised many different events, from race nights to dog shows, and in the process was able to give more than £70,000 to good causes.

He was also a founder member of the Kasra Golf Day organising committee, which throughout the years raised more than £200,000 for charity.

A true sporting all-rounder, Vic was always a popular figure in the dressing room. He served on the committee at Canterbury Golf Club and donated the Redpath Trophy, which is still contested today.

He was a one-time committee member at Canterbury Boxing Club, acting as their master of ceremonies during the 1960s.

A fast bowler, he played at Rennets and Lower Hardres and Nackington cricket clubs, and kept goal for a number of clubs including Brett Sports and Sparrows. He also played bar billiards and bat and trap.

Although not in good health, Vic was still doing his bit for charity when in October last year he helped organise a greyhound evening at Sittingbourne in aid of the Cancer Care Club.

Vic leaves his partner Una, a son Anthony, grandson Cameron, step-daughter Jackie and two step-grandchildren, Olivia and James.

His funeral will be held at Barham crematorium at 11.20am on Monday, February 18, followed by a reception at Broome Park.

Family flowers only are requested but, if desired, donations to the British Heart Foundation can be made c/o C.W. Lyons, Military Road, Canterbury.

Vic Redpath was a keen golfer, and donated a trophy which is still contested at the Canterbury club