EDDIE King, the face of Stroud's Stratford Park Leisure Centre, has died suddenly aged just 59.

Known to many as Big Eddie, the former lifeguard and judo coach, passed away at his Stonehouse home on Friday.

Long-serving Eddie joined the centre when it opened in 1975 and stopped work in 2012, having worked there for 37 years.

However, the popular community stalwart was still part of the furniture at the centre and was helping out at the skating club up to his death.

Leah Tomkins, secretary and coach at the skating club, described Eddie as a much loved coach and a wonderful friend.

She said: “ He was chairman of the club for many years and then changed roles to become entertainment secretary, alongside his coaching role. He loved organising and running skating discos for the kids.

“Eddie was a kind, patient and gentle man with a heart of gold. He was the smiling face that everyone in Stroud knew.

“I was lucky enough to be taught to skate by him 20 years ago, just like many others in Stroud. I grew up to work alongside him to teach others, which was an absolute pleasure.

"He was an amazing man and can never be replaced. The coaches at Stratford Park Skating Club have lost a much loved coach and a wonderful friend.”

Rob Griffiths, facilities manager at Stroud District Council, worked with Eddie for 30 years and feels he will be sorely missed.

“Eddie was the very fabric of Stratford Park Leisure Centre. He first came to the centre when it opened in the summer of 1975 and wanted to start a skating club, “ revealed Rob.

“This is very sad for the community and a big loss. Millions of people have visited the Leisure Centre since it opened and Eddie was always around- I was shocked to learn of his death.”

Kieran Sinton, customer services manager for Everyone Active at Stratford Park said: “The centre celebrates its 40th anniversary next year, and through his commitment, enthusiasm and dedication, there are few who have left a greater imprint in the centre’s history. Eddie will be forever associated with roller skating at the Stratford Park Leisure Centre, and he will be sadly missed.”

 

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