John Pugh, a great friend for over fifty years and former bridge partner for many years, has just died of a heart attack; he was 76. John will be remembered as a stalwart of the Sussex representative teams throughout the fifties and sixties and as a winner of numerous national events, including the Gold Cup. He also represented GB in the World Pairs Olympiads in 1962 and 1964 (with me) and later in the European Championships with Irving Gordon. John was a superb player and a generous and understanding partner. A solicitor by profession who really enjoyed his spare time playing bridge. On one occasion when competing in international trials he doubled the opponents in their suit at the five level knowing fully well that they could make a slam and were about to bid it. Of course, he was all ready to run out into our suit if redoubled - the coup of the Striped-Tail Ape - but the opposition, perhaps too surprised at this turn of events, forgot to redouble although duly making twelve tricks. Ostensibly this looked like a reasonable gain for our side. However, the other half of our team, Nico Gardener and Tony Priday, had a rare misunderstanding which resulted in bidding the grand slam - missing the ace of trumps! Boris Schapiro, never one to allow an opportunity like this to go by without comment, duly announced, "They were unlucky. The ace of trumps was on the wrong side. Could happen to anyone!" John leaves a widow, Jane, and four grown-up sons. His death creates a huge vacuum for the family and his many friends - and especially for this one.
Freddie North