Greg Schofield died in his sleep at home aged 76 on December 11.
The former Weymouth Rugby Club player lived life to the full - he achieved the remarkable feat of swimming the English Channel in 1964 and was known for leading rugby sing-songs with his banjo.
Greg, a historian, researcher and retired school master, was a regular contributor to the nostalgia pages of the
Dorset Echo.
He attended Broadwey School, Weymouth and the University of Worcester.
Greg's loved ones remember him as 'brilliant, thoughtful and a joker'. He leaves his widow, Vera and three children Edwin, Polly-Anna and Amber.
Sports mad Greg achieved more in his lifetime than most ever could.