By Ian McIlgorm, Mail photographer

The Northcliffe Golf Society has lost one of its most long-standing and much-loved members, John Morgan.

John, a former team captain and committee stalwart, delighted in the company of others.

Avowedly Welsh, the former Mail Newspapers’ Creative Director, who enjoyed a remarkable 28-year career with the company, loved the camaraderie of golfing glories and mishaps, revelling in the sharing of tales with everyone, whether in the office, the clubhouse or in the rough (mostly on the right).

Who can match John’s opening drive at Deal, for the NGS in the annual PGS match? Not many have the ability to hit the Royal Cinque Ports clubhouse, almost at right angles from the tee.

Fewer laughed more readily than John, even at his own expense.

A wearer of loud socks and louder jackets, John embraced the trials of golf with a smile and possibly a swig from his hip flask.

Occasionally a dangerously fine scorer on the course, John was aided by his extraordinary putter.

The bizarre club, resembling a spaceship, was often sheathed in swashbuckling fashion with laughter and gusto, like a re-imagined Excalibur.

The theatrics were rarely witnessed when deployed from one hundred yards:  the Welsh wizard was not a confident chipper.

He was, however, a huge fan of Society gatherings, late nights and talking, his curiosity and genial nature remembered by all who joined him.

We shall miss a hugely enthusiastic golfer who encouraged everyone with his irrational optimism and self-deprecating outlook.  A lovely friend, colleague and teammate, gone too soon.

RIP Johnnie boyo.

Friends and colleagues are invited to visit John’s funeral and memorial page.

To access the page, please follow the link and enter the password JTM26.

If you plan to attend in person, please RSVP via the website.

The family would also be grateful if you could share any photographs of John or suggestions for music to be included in the service, using the links provided on the page.

You are also warmly invited to share your memories and stories of John on the website.