ONE of the three founders of Stanford Rugby Club, Ted (Edward) Higgs, passed away this week, aged 80.

Together with his brother Bert and Welshman Mark Thomas he formed Stanford in 1975. He had previously played for Thames Board Mills Toucans.

Stanford played rugby union for several years without a clubhouse until 1980 when lock Brian Hattershank donated a barn in his back yard that backed on to the pitch.

In 1988 Stanford moved to their own clubhouse and in January 2007 a new clubhouse was built after the Cory Trust increased its offer of funding for the Stanford Rec Project from £87,500 to £227,500.

Ted first moved to Thurrock with his family from East London as a boy and they lived in South Ockendon.

A self-employed painter and decorator, Ted completed his National Service and married his wife Bettie, who survives him.

Over the years they lived in Grays, Stanford-le-Hope and latterly at Gordon Road, Hordon on the Hill. The couple had four children, Boo, Steven, Adam and Paul who have provided them with many grandchildren!

Though Ted had endured many illnesses and fought bravely for his health, he finally succumbed to a heart attack and died at Basildon Hospital in the early hours on Wednesday (29 January).

Fellow club founder Mark Thomas paid tribute to him, saying: "He was a lovely family man and a real character who really loved his rugby. He will be mourned and missed by a great many people."

A funeral service for Ted will take place at the Stanford clubhouse at 11am on Friday, 14 February which will later play host to a wake after Ted is buried at Chadwell St Mary cemetery at 1pm.