FORMER police constable, Chillerton resident, footballer and golfer John ‘Jock’ Horne has died at the age of 88.

John was born on June 27, 1933, in the small fishing village of Cockenzie, outside Edinburgh.

He was one of six children born to Jean and John James Horne.

From an early age, football was his passion.

In 1962 he married Adrienne. In 1964 their son Johnny was born and in 1967 their daughter Sarah arrived.

His first career was that of a bricklayer, at which he excelled, and in later life he utilised his skills to build his own bungalow in Chillerton – a place he truly loved.

He undertook national service, where his skills at football saw him a popular recruit.

He served as a police constable for 27 years, initially in London, and transferred to Hampshire in 1965, when he was posted to the Isle of Wight.

He was renowned for his no nonsense approach, often earning him the respect of those he dealt with.

One memorable night, during the 1969 Parkhurst Prison riots, he was on nights and was one of two on duty at Newport.

Having been alerted to what was happening, the then Superintendent ordered John and his colleague to ‘go up to the prison and surround the place.’

Football undoubted was a huge part of his life, firstly with Barton Sports, then the combined Whitecroft and Barton and lastly at Newport, spanning 25 years.

John and Adrienne were married for more than 59 years and spent 34 of those years in their beloved bungalow.

Even in his late 80s he could still be found, trowel in hand, doing some bricklaying.

He also spent many hours in the garden with Adrienne as they shared a delight for gardening.

They also enjoyed many holidays in Europe, and John developed a particular love of France — including the cheese and wine.

In retirement, John took up golf and enjoyed playing at Newport, particularly enjoying a good laugh with his fellow players.

He was very proud of the achievements of his children. Johnny became an estates technical supervisor for the NHS in Southampton and Sarah is the current police Superintendent on the Isle of Wight.

Mr Horne died on October 27, having been suddenly taken ill just two days earlier.

His funeral will take place at 1pm on Friday, November 12, at St Olave’s Church, Gatcombe.