Tributes have been paid to the father of two of the borough’s biggest sporting stars, who has died at the age of 66.

Paul Garrard, father of former Olympic hockey captain Brett Garrard and ex-Kingstonian goalkeeper Luke Garrard, died at the Princess Alice Hospice on June 27 from lung cancer.

His funeral was held in Leatherhead on Friday, August 9.

An avid sports fan, he was a dedicated follower of both his sons’ sporting careers, travelling around the world to see his children compete – and never afraid to give his opinion.

This week his eldest son Brett, who represented Great Britain at hockey at the 2000 Olympic Games and as captain in 2004, said: “His honest reflection after games always kept Luke and I on our toes, never allowing us to get ahead of ourselves.

“His ability to analysis games and players was unique and always amused some and no doubt offended others with his frank assessment of their efforts.”

Mr Garrard was born in Wandsworth on February 1, 1947. His athletic ability was evident from an early age, particularly in table tennis, but his sporting ambitions were curtailed by heavy asthma.

After leaving school, Mr Garrard became a draughtsman, dedicating much of his weekends to playing and watching football and boxing.

He married his wife Lynda in 1974. Brett was born in 1976 and Luke in 1979. Both shared their father’s passion for sport; Brett becoming England and Great Britain’s most capped hockey player, and Luke making more than 150 appearances for Kingstonian Football Club.

He had a long association with Surbiton Hockey Club, where Brett is now a director, and also Surbiton Royal British Legion, where he attended for more than 35 years.

Brett added: “Mum and dad followed us round the world watching us play sport and their unconditional support and love always provided us comfort at the moments when we needed them the most.”

Mr Garrard is survived by wife Lynda, sons Brett and Luke, and three granddaughters.