WELL known Bournemouth bowls player, Rob Burchell, has died at the age of 69.

Born and raised in Southbourne, Rob attended Pokesdown Primary School and then Bournemouth School for Boys. He began working for Bournemouth Borough Council at the Town Hall at the age of 17 and continued working there for the next 35 years, eventually becoming Payroll and Pensions Manager in 1991.

Rob was also very active in the Bournemouth branch of NALGO, later Unison, and was appointed branch president in 1993.

"Rob's keen interest in sport began during his time at Southbourne Methodist Youth Club. He became a season ticket holder for AFC Bournemouth and enjoyed playing badminton, tennis, golf and snooker. He also achieved a great deal of success at tenpin bowling," said his wife Rosemary.

Following his retirement, bowls became his passion. He was secretary of his own club, Bournemouth Electric, and was awarded life vice presidency status in 2008 in recognition of his dedicated service. He was also president of the Bournemouth Evening Triples Bowling Association and served on the committee of the Bournemouth and District Bowling Association, becoming president for 2012. Together with his friend Mike Elkins, he ran the Bournemouth Cavaliers bowls team.

In his retirement, Rob also joined Bournemouth Central Probus Club, becoming their secretary for many years and their president for 2009. Last year he had the honour of becoming their first Life Vice President.

Rob was also a Bournemouth school governor, and for many years was an active member of his parish church, St Paul's at Throop where he served as treasurer and later chairman of the church pre-school, head sides-man, Gift Aid secretary and deputy warden.

"Rob was one of those rare people who had time for everyone, and after meeting him you felt that it had been a privilege to make his acquaintance," said one of his friends Geoff Jones.

Rob died at Christchurch Macmillan Unit on February 16. His funeral at St Paul's Church, Throop, was attended by 350 friends, colleagues and family members.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Rosemary, his son Denis, his daughter Chrissie and his grandsons.