It is with much sadness we inform you of the death of Owen Hatter last night (30th April) in the Conquest Hospital, Hastings. His family were at his bedside. Owen was 80 years old and had been in poor health for some time. He was admitted to hospital just a few days ago.

Owen was a player most recently for Tackleway Table Tennis Club in St. Leonards on Sea and previously for the former Park TTC. He had played table tennis in Hastings and District League for over fifty years and was a very well-respected player, former coach and league committee member. He coached many successful TT players that went on to represent Sussex. In the words of one player, “He did a lot of ferrying about as well.” Owen had also represented Sussex Veterans TT teams.

Owen will be most remembered in table circles for his outstanding sportsmanship, encouragement and tenacity. Always quietly determined but giving credit to any opponent when they played a good shot, often accompanied by Owen calling out, “What a peach!”

In his last full season playing with Owen, I remember he made an amazing comeback in a match to win, in spite of being two games down, even though he was perhaps not in the best of health at that time. His strength of reserves were extraordinary. A pleasure to play with and against and just have a chat with.

Owen was also a keen local cricketer, having played for various local teams including Udimore, Crowhurst and British Legion. He was also a member of Cooden Beach Golf Club and until recently a Brighton and Hove Albion season ticket holder, attending as many matches as he could often accompanied by other table tennis players.

Owen will be sadly missed by all in table tennis and local sporting circles. His sportsmanship and friendship was a credit to him and should be an example to us all. “What a peach!”

Funeral arrangement will be advised in due course.

Keith Lindsay

1st May 2022