Contest in memory of Market Harborough sportsman

Support...Andy Glaysher, Tom Logan, Tony Hughes, Paul Spiezick, Jordan Spiezick, Jake Spiezick, Marc Spiezick and John Rollitt before the charity snooker match for Glenfield Heart Foundation at Market Harborough Conservative Club in memory of (insert), Dave Spiezick pictured with his wife Lesley.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER — Support...Andy Glaysher, Tom Logan, Tony Hughes, Paul Spiezick, Jordan Spiezick, Jake Spiezick, Marc Spiezick and John Rollitt before the charity snooker match for Glenfield Heart Foundation at Market Harborough Conservative Club in memory of (insert), Dave Spiezick pictured with his wife Lesley. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

The contest, held at the town’s Conservative Club, was to remember Dave Spiezick, a regular snooker player, golfer and football fan.

Dave died at Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, aged 67 in March this year. The funeral service was at Kettering Crematorium on April 11.

He suffered from unexpected complications following a quadruple heart bypass operation.

His wife Lesley told the Mail: “He had deteriorated at Christmas, and need this bypass operation. We did expect him to get through it, but he had complications.

“It was an unexpected death and a terrible shock to us all. It was the biggest shock of my life.

“Everyone misses him. He was well-liked at the club and a well-loved husband, dad, grandad and great grandad.”

Dave had three children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A former Tungstone Batteries employee, Dave has always lived in Harborough.

“He had a very good sense of humour, very dry,” said Lesley. “And he always saw the best in people.”

Dave had suffered with heart trouble for 10 years, but, said his family, he never complained.

He taught many younger people, including family members, the sport, always stressing “enjoy winning, but be gracious in defeat”.

The snooker tournament was organised by Dave’s friend Tony Hughes.

“Dave was a very decent player. I played him a few times ... a few hundred times,” said Tony.

Friends and family took part in the fund-raising tournament.

“It was for Dave, but he wasn’t there,” said Tony. “But it was a lovely atmosphere and everyone had a good laugh.”