A GOLF enthusiast and volunteer has died of a heart attack while playing his favourite game.

Tributes have to been paid to Peter Kaufman who died suddenly aged 61 while playing a golf match at the KP Club in Pocklington on June 25.

Peter, who lived in Crambeck Village, Welburn, leaves a widow, Francis, sons Simon and James, and grandchildren Molly, Evie and Lydia.

Francis, 58, who married Peter 38 years ago after meeting him while strawberry-picking in Worcestershire, said he was a much-loved husband and father.

“He was very straight-talking,” she said. “He said what was on his mind and he would not suffer any fools.

“Mostly what people remember about Peter, which has been shown in all the cards I have received, is that he had a brilliant sense of humour. Everyone has said they will miss that.”

She said Peter, who worked in distribution, had spent more than 25 years volunteering for Scout groups in York and across Yorkshire, until stepping down from his position two years ago.

It was then he spent more time indulging in his favourite hobby of golf and had been “really pleased and excited” when he was picked for the senior team at the Forest Park golf club, at Stockton-on-the-Forest.

Francis said Peter had been playing a match on Saturday, June 25, when he had a seizure on the golf course.

“He just went to pick up a ball from the hole and apparently staggered around and collapsed on the course,” she said.

“An air ambulance was called and he was flown to York Hospital but there was nothing anyone could do. So many people have got I touch to say thanks to all the work and support he gave to so many over the years.”

His funeral will be held at East Riding Crematorium, Octon, tomorrow at 2pm.