who died at the weekend.

During his working life Mr. Pitt (79), whose full name was Maurice Joseph (Bill) Pitt, was a well known bartender and was one of the founders of the Ocean View Golf Club.

His son Bill Jnr., general manager at Port Royal Golf Club, said: "My father had been one of Bermuda's premier players over the years. He was one of the original founders of the Ocean View Golf Club.'' In the 1950's and 60's Mr. Pitt was ranked with the likes of Herman Bascome and Percy Vincent.

"Unfortunately during that time they couldn't compete in major events because of the racial stigma,'' his son said.

"I think it was in 1947, but I'm not quite sure, that they formed the Ocean View Golf Club, and they called themselves the Committee of 25. That was for the people who couldn't play the other golf courses.

"To play the other courses what they used to do was tee it up at 5.30am or so and be off before 8 a.m.. I guess people knew they were doing it because they used to have spectators, the spectators used to come out to see these guys play.'' Mr. Pitt Jnr said his father was a great competitor and had won the Ocean View golf championships around 13 times.

"He won the Bermuda Fourball about three times,'' he added. "And he represented Bermuda at the Eisenhower Cup five years in a row, 1970-1974.'' "He always wanted me to be as good a player as he was but unfortunately those talents were never to be seen,'' said Mr. Pitt Jnr, who despite his modesty does have the distinction of having won the Fourball Championships three times in a row.

Away from the golf course, Mr. Pitt Snr was well known at various clubs on the Island, including the Leopards and the Blue Waters Anglers Club.

Summing up his father, his son said: "He was quiet but also joyful and he just dealt with things as he saw fit.'' In 1990 Mr. Pitt Snr had a triple heart bypass and subsequently had both his legs amputated. He died in hospital on Saturday.

"His heart sort of gave out on him. They had done all they really could because of my father's age,'' Mr. Pitt Jnr said.

A funeral service for Mr. Pitt Sr. is being held today at 11 a.m. at St.

Mary's Church, Warwick followed by interment at St. Anne's Cemetery. All are welcome to attend.

The late Bill Pitt Snr.

GOLF GLF