Obituary: MERVYN SCOTT
Mervyn was a very keen and talented table tennis player. He progressed through the lower divisions to play in the first division of the Bangor and District league, and subsequently in Division 1 of the Belfast and District senior league, which he represented against the Leinster league on several occasions. Recently he conceded that he should compete in veteran competitions and 2 weeks ago he reached the final stages of the Ulster Senior Championships after defeating a number of Ulster ranked players.
As an avid Manchester United supporter Mervyn loved to pull on his red and black table tennis shirt – no coincidence in the choice of colours for his team’s shirts. He thoroughly enjoyed playing table tennis on a Saturday and then head off with his mates to watch Man Utd on the telly. Mervyn was never shy of voicing his advice to premier league players on TV as the game progressed.
On Monday Mervyn was back in the club again coaching the younger members. Mervyn was a stalwart member of Kingsland Table Tennis Club and carried out many roles including secretary, captain, development officer, press officer, coach and caretaker. He was also very fussy about keeping the club premises tidy, and players would sometimes be startled when a mop or brush swished around their feet while they were playing.
Mervyn would be the first to admit that he was no handyman but was always keen to help when the club premises needed minor repairs or repainting. He was the main man behind all the fund raising activities in the club. His determination to maximise fund raising opportunities has helped to keep the Kingsland club in existence.
Mervyn had unwavering enthusiasm and a huge commitment to the development of table tennis in the North Down area. He was always keen to promote the sport and develop the younger players. His organisational skills and commitment to table tennis were evident when he took on the role as chairman of the Bangor and District league.
He regularly attended meetings and always contributed to the discussions to promote table tennis in the North Down Area. Mervyn loved table tennis. He loved to run tournaments and attract some of Ulster’s top players to the Kingsland club. Recently he was organising a Christmas tournament and was determined to ensure there was a Christmas atmosphere in the club so he bought a load of Christmas decorations to erect before the competition. He also contacted some of Ulster’s top players to take part in the tournament.
As well as organising events Mervyn loved to travel to see the best table tennis players in the world. With some of his club mates he went to see table tennis at the LondonOlympics. He also has been to the world championships in Manchester and Paris. His room mate will always remember when Mervyn unwittingly locked him in the bedroom.
Mervyn was a modest man who loved his food. However, the cusine in Paris was not to his liking. He was glad to get back to his sister’s cooking and the occasional chicken Maryland from the chippy in Millisle. There is no doubt that Mervyn will be missed as a person who always gave of his best in work and in play. His legacy to table tennis and particularly to Kingsland Table Tennis Club will always be remembered.
Funeral will is to be held at 11.00am on Friday in Church of Ireland, Donaghadee.