HE was a popular and versatile Southampton midfielder who played 60 games for Saints in the early 60s and a talented village cricketer who helped build ships in Southampton following his retirement from the beautiful game.

To members of his family, Harry Penk was a beloved husband of nearly 62 years and much-loved father and grandfather with a tenacious attitude and fighting spirit which was an inspiration to all.

The second of five children born in Wigan, Lancashire in 1934, Harry displayed a sporting prowess from an early age. His father insisted he did a six year apprenticeship as a painter and decorator and sign writer before following his dream of becoming a professional footballer, a skill which would come in handy later in life.

It was while playing for then non league Wigan Athletic that he was spotted by a scout for Portsmouth where he signed a professional contract and played for two seasons from 1955.

Harry met his future wife Barbara on a night out at the city’s Theatre Royal and they married in 1958 before moving to Devon where he had been signed by Plymouth Argyle.

Ted Bates signed the player, who boasted two good feet and played on both flanks, for Saints in 1960. Harry often shared left wing duties with John Sydenham and was a ‘player’s player’ who offered another dimension as he dropped deep to his left back.

After four seasons with Saints, he retired from the professional game, working as a painter and decorator and sign writing on ships at Husband’s Shipyard while playing non league football for Salisbury, Basingstoke, Cowes and New Milton.

He particularly loved playing for the Ex Saints Association and enjoyed trips to Germany and France representing them.

A father of three, Harry and family enjoyed many happy years at Hursley Park Cricket Club where he played until he was 50 when the successful Hampshire village side went all the way to Lords in the 1984 village knock-out Final.

The family lived in Shirley and North Baddesley before settling in Ashurst.

A keen golfer in his later years who played off a handicap of 11, Harry died at the age of 85 following a long illness.

He leaves his wife Barbara, children Lynn, Sally and Chris and four grandchildren who look back fondly on many happy memories including a big diamond wedding anniversary celebration at a hotel in Sandbanks.

"We had some wonderful experiences. We were very lucky," said wife Barbara.

Harry’s funeral, limited due to current social distancing restrictions, takes place today.