TRIBUTES have followed the death of a champion golfer described as a “true gentleman”.

Peter Boothman, 81, was crowned champion at Nelson Golf Club, Kings Causeway, seven times during the 1950s and 60s.

Following his death on Monday, June 1, he was described by club officials as one of its most “distinguished” members ever.

And his wife said he would also be remembered for the family drapery store he ran in Market Street, Nelson, until 1988.

Born in Halifax Road, Nelson, Mr Boothman attended St Paul’s Primary and Nelson Grammar Schools.

His wife Corinne said he was a trained engineer, but his father convinced him to join the family business.

He was the last member of his family to run the store, retiring in 1988.

Mr Boothman began playing golf aged 12 and went on to play off a handicap of two.

As well as being crowned club champion seven times between 1949 and 1968, he also represented Lancashire for five years.

Richard Lees, club manager, said: “He’s certainly one of the most distinguished members in the club’s history.”

Mrs Boothman said she met her husband after moving to Fence and joining the local golf club.

They married in May 1974 and made their home in Wheatley Lane Road, where Mrs Boothman still lives.

Mrs Boothman, former head-teacher at Marsden Primary School, said people came from all over to visit her husband’s shop.

She added: “The shop was very popular because it sold old fashioned things for elderly people, which weren’t available many other places – things like long johns and corsets.

“It was also known as the umbrella hospital because people could bring them in to be fixed.”

Since last October Mr Boothman had lived at Belgarth Nursing Home, Barrowford, where his wife visited him every day.

Manager Lynne Markham said: “He was a nice man and a true gentleman.

“We have a music afternoon and he really enjoyed dancing with his wife – he didn’t look 81 at all.”

He died in the Royal Blackburn Hospital and his funeral was at Burnley Crematorium last Tuesday.