The widow of a renowned landlord has thanked those that tried to save his life after he collapsed and died in Spalding town centre.
Dick Morgan, the steward of the Constitutional Club on Broad Street, died in Herring Lane car park on Tuesday, January 15.
The former landlord of pubs in Cowbit and Pinchbeck was about to be driven to hospital by wife Fiona after complaining of feeling ill.
Despite the efforts of numerous local people, Dick (57) died at the scene.
Fiona, who had nipped into a shop when Dick collapsed, said: “He’d been ill for four to six weeks and had been treated for a chest infection, but it was obviously more than that.
“I came out of the shop and he was collapsed on the floor by the car.
“A few people were there trying to help including Craig Lyons who runs the spice stall on the market and is also a first aider – he did the best he could.
“Staff from Lloyds Pharmacy and Moore Thompson were also doing all they could.
“Someone got the defibrillator from the South Holland Centre and the ambulance helpline told them how to use it while the ambulance crew worked for an hour and a half trying to bring him back.
“I couldn’t have asked for better help and support from everyone and that includes the club’s committee, members, family and friends since the incident.”
Dick had a recent history of heart problems and died of natural causes.
The couple have been together nearly 30 years and married 27 of them.
They have two sons Alistair (21) and Ross (19) who are studying sports science and criminology respectively at university.
Dick also has a daughter, Melanie, from a previous relationship.
He was originally from Fulham and met Fiona, originally from Scotland, in an A1 hotel she was working at.
They lived in Peterborough for ten years where Dick had his own painting and decorating business, but after moving to Cowbit he fell in love with Ye Olde Dun Cow Inn and the couple took over the running of it in 2004.
They moved to The Ship in Pinchbeck for 18 months in 2012 before the positions as stewards at the Constitutional Club became available.
“He’s turned this club around in the last five years,” Fiona said. “We’ve a big customer base with over 400 members.
“Dick was unique and just one of a kind. He was very strong willed and a very private person.
“He was fiercely loyal and generous.
“His friends and family meant everything to him.
“He was always there for our boys, always wanted the best for them and was very proud of them, especially their achievement of going to university.
“He was taken too young and will be missed by a lot of people.
“He had a heart bypass in 2004 so I’ve had 15 years more than I could have had.”
Fiona also said Dick was a huge sports and Manchester United fan.
He used to play squash but broke his leg a few years ago which left him with a limp.
Dick still loved darts though and played for the snooker and bowls teams at the club and also played cribbage.
The club has been closed following Dick’s death, but is due to open for the snooker league fixtures tonight (Thursday).
“We are taking it day by day but have to get back to normal,” Fiona said. “The support we’ve had from everyone, including the committee, has been overwhelming.
“They’re happy for me to take it forward but we’re taking each week as it comes.
“I’m sure the customers understand.
“I want to get back a sense of normality.
“I’ve just lost my husband and I don’t want to lose my home and job too so hopefully it will help me be stronger.
“It still feels as if he’s in the office doing work and I will see him later.”
Dick’s funeral is due to take place at South Lincolnshire Crematorium in Surfleet at 2pm on February 7.
Fiona says all are welcome to come back to the Constitutional Club after the service.
