BURY FOOTBALL CLUB was plunged into sadness again on Wednesday morning with the news that former secretary John Heap had died of a heart attack.

Mr Heap (58) was truly one of the great Gigg Lane characters and his death came as another hammer blow following the loss of vice-chairman Canon Reg Smith nine days earlier.

Known for his eye for detail and wicked, dry sense of humour Mr Heap engendered great affection in those who knew and worked with him.

"For the best part of three decades John Heap was Mr Bury," said former Shakers' physio and manager Wilf McGuinness.

"He had a legendary sense of humour. We used to refer to him as Danny De Vito because everyone had to go to his little window to ask for things just like the actors did in the television programme 'Taxi'. John was so amusing he would have made a great character actor himself.

"He will always be remembered as a tireless worker. He gave Bury remarkable and loyal service through thick and thin and through all the highs and lows. He made friends easily and will be fondly remembered by all those who came into close contact with him." w Commercial manager Neville Neville, who worked alongside Mr. Heap for many years, spoke warmly of his 'remarkable' friend.

"He had that great gift of being able to think quickly on his feet," recalled Mr. Neville.

"John was one of the funniest men I have ever met. He could lighten any tense situation with his razor sharp wit. I lost count how many times he had us all in stitches.

"He was also extremely good at his job. He was a meticulous man who hated computers and when you saw his book-keeping it was easy to see why. He was a stickler for rules and kept everyone in check. Even though he has not been well for some time we will all miss him greatly at Gigg Lane."

Mr Heap is survived by his wife Rita who still works in the First Division club's offices. He became Shakers' secretary in 1976 taking over from Gordon Hurst.

Earlier Mr Heap had worked at Hyde United where his father-in-law Bill Pheasey was manager. Mr. Heap was Hyde's treasurer for three years.

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