Tributes paid to Barney

A popular Stafford businessman and a member of one of the town's best-known families, has lost his battle against cancer.

Tributes have been pouring in to Barney Sandy, who died at his home in Walton on the Hill on November 17. He was 80.

Mr Sandy was a past captain and president of Brocton Hall Golf Club and while playing there in a tournament staged by the town's Law Society in 1989 that he was hit by a bolt of lightning.

The shock ran down his arm and wrecked the umbrella he was carrying but he was saved from serious injury because he was wearing rubber-soled golfing shoes.

Mr Sandy's nephew, David Sandy, was there at the time and recalled the incident. "There was a tremendous flash and a sheet of lightning.

"The plastic tips and handle of his brolly all melted but he just carried on with the competition. That was typical of Barney, he was indomitable.

"He played tennis up until the time he started chemotherapy and even then continued playing golf," said Mr Sandy.

"He was a great character who was loved by everyone who knew him and was always a popular figure around the town."

Businessman Freddie Sandy, Barney's brother added: "He was always competitive, a great sportsman.

"Our father died when we were eight and nine and we were very close," said Freddie. "He would always help anybody and was a wonderful brother, always fun and laughter."

Barney Sandy was a chartered surveyor and senior partner with estate agents Evans and Evans, where he had worked for 45-years.

He formerly lived on Rowley Park but moved to Walton when he married Tricia Bamford.

Mr Sandy is a former president of the Staffordshire Union of Golf Clubs and the North Staffs branch of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.

He was also a long standing member of St John Ambulance and a short while before his death received the Officer Brother award from the Queen.

Mr Sandy leaves a widow, five children and eight grandchildren. The funeral is at St Austin's Church, Stafford, at 11am tomorrow.