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MIKE SCOTT AYUB
Mike Scott Ayub passed away in the early hours of Friday, 29th July in St. Barts Hospital, London, with his wife Zarin (who had visited him every day) and his two daughters, Anouska and Shireen at his side. He had been in hospital for four months and finally succumbed to an infection following treatment for leukaemia. He remained his usual highly articulate self even to the very end insisting that everyone use correct grammar and prose.
Mike learned to play hockey in his native Pakistan and it was whilst on tour there that he met Zarin returning in 1983 (on another tour) when they were married. He was selected for the 1964 England Olympic Hockey squad in Japan, but was subsequently disqualified as he did not have British citizenship. He was later re-selected in 1968 but again disqualified, this time for not have long enough residency!
Mike’s zest for the game stretched to missing the births of both of his daughters, first leaving the pitch in Southend too late to get to the hospital and later being on tour in Australia when Shireen was born. He planned to return before the due date and maintained it was her fault for arriving early - this is something Shireen claims she held against him her entire life!
During his playing career Mike represented Eastcote, Southend, Wimbledon, Westcliff, Spencer, Chelmsford, Indian Gymkhana, Puritans and of course, Old Southendian, where he played right until he was first admitted to hospital in January this year. He also had the honour to represent England in the veterans tournament in South Africa in September 2010 which he did having just had his first round of chemotherapy.
Mike had a great passion for the game of hockey and was always available to play. No game was too insignificant and no distance was too great. Goalkeepers are a rare breed, so Mike was much sought after and he didn’t disappoint anyone! Once, whilst a member at Old Southendian, he played two games one Saturday but for two different clubs. Unfortunately he forgot his kit but he still played very well which earned him the Jacket Of Shame and Man Of The Match in the same dayl
Away from hockey, Mike set up and ran a very successful Insurance company and through this had strong connections with many members of the club, never turning away anyone who had an affiliation with hockey!
There was more to Mike then being a hockey enthusiast and businessman. He was a kind, gentle person and was liked by all who knew him. His funeral was attended by many friends and colleagues, which gave testament to how well he was regarded. He could always be relied upon to have a broad smile for anyone and his infectious laugh was a trademark.
He was a devoted husband and father and will be very sorely missed. The family remember him in his full yellow kit and hope we will remember him that way too. They are proud that he died a member of Old Southendian Hockey Club.
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