Ex-Rotary president Tony dies, 77

A dentist who became the youngest-ever president of Wolverhampton Rotary Club has died. Tony Waugh was aged 77.Mr Waugh, of Codsall Wood, became president of the club in 1973 aged 42, a position which he held for a year in keeping with Rotary tradition.

He died in Wolverhampton's New Cross Hospital on October 21 and his colleagues today described him as a "thoroughly nice chap".

Throughout his professional life, the father-of-two worked as a dentist and also organised the Wrottesley Shoot for many years as well as being a keen fisherman. Educated at Wolverhampton Grammar School, Mr Waugh qualified at Birmingham University in 1953 and for some time practised with his father.

After his father's retirement his set up Parkside Dental Practice.

Friends today said Mr Waugh was a keen sportsman and also had a love of antiques.

George Sidebotham said: "He was a thoroughly nice chap, very pleasant. He loved his field sports and fishing."

Mr Sidebotham, who was also president of the rotary club in 1980/81 and district governor in 1987/88, added: "In the 1950s and 1960s, Tony was a keen antiques collector, achieving national acclaim for his collection of glass.

"He became life president of the Glass Association."

In his year as president of Wolverhampton Rotary Club, an inshore lifeboat was purchased which still operates now at Rhyl in North Wales.

Mr Waugh was also involved in countless fundraising events for the club.

Mr Sidebotham said: "Tony was a keen participant in field sports, organising the Wrottesley Shoot for many years as well as being a well known fisherman for trout and salmon. Following a stroke in 1993 he continued fishing from a wheelchair usually in a private fishery near his home.

"He was the youngest-ever president and that will be his legacy.

"He did a great deal for Wolverhampton in many ways and will always be remembered."

Current Wolverhampton Rotary Club chairman Geoff Lowndes also expressed his condolences to Mr Waugh's family.

Mr Waugh leaves behind his wife Bernice, son Nick, daughter Avril and two grandchildren.

His funeral will take place at Telford Crematorium on Tuesday at 10.45am.