Ben Vidler dies at the age of 49

Ben Vidler, a well loved former pub landlord, science teacher and vice-president of Newark Rugby Club, has died at the age of 49.

A minute's silence was held ahead of Newark RUFC's game against Ilkeston today.

Mr Vidler, of Coddington, had been diagnosed with terminal cancer earlier this year and was told by consultants at the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham that he had limited time remaining.

Newark RFC president Alan Swain said: "Ben will be remembered for his huge contribution, whether on the pitch during his playing career and off the pitch as a member who was a former chairman of the bar committee and supporter of all the things the club did.

"He was a larger than life character. Who will ever forget his after-match 'court sessions' and the fun and games they generated?

"He will be hugely missed. On behalf of all members and supporters of Newark RUFC I send our sympathy and love to wife Tracey and their three daughters, Sam, Penni and Tobey.

"This was be a hugely difficult time for all family and friends but everyone at Kelham Road will be here to support and help."

Mr Vidler ran The Wheatsheaf pub in Newark before training to become a science teacher. He had been a teacher at Giles Academy in Boston.

When the Advertiser spoke to Mr Vidler in September, he said he was determined not to "spend my last todays crying over lost tomorrows."“I am not a pessimistic person,” he said. “I am optimistic but I am also a realist.

“I won’t spend my last todays crying over lost tomorrows. I am not happy to die because I feel I have too much to live for but I am going to die a very happy man.

“I have the most wonderful wife whom I am in love with, and three fantastic daughters.”

He added: "I have no specific enlightenment to pass on but I would like to say a thank you to everybody involved in my life from the crazy dude on the train who tap danced when I was 18 and cheered me up, to almost every chance encounter I have had since.

“I am not a religious man but to use the word blessed is not too strong to describe how my family have enriched my life.

“If I am going to have to leave the party at least it has been a good party.”

Did you know Ben Vidler? What are your memories of him? Leave your tributes in the comments box below