It is with the deepest of regret that I have to inform you that Eric Rimmer passed away peacefully yesterday (11^th September) after a long illness. 

Eric was diagnosed with cancer some while ago and not given a great deal of time but he refused to let the news prevent him from fishing at every possible opportunity at Holgan Farm and with Pembrokeshire Piscatorials of which he was a founder member. He continued to turn out for matches up until July this year, still framing until his illness prevented him from carrying on. 

To say Eric was a character must be the understatement of the century, he was never one to let the truth get in the way of a good story, we all remember too well the tales he used to tell of his days in the navy. I would only have to mention the phrase “basking shark” for all of his friends who heard the tale to have a good chuckle.

Eric never made the top in his sport but it wasn’t for the want of trying, his planning and attention to detail in his tackle put most anglers to shame, indeed he was always ready to delve into his tackle box and bring out a ready made rig to lend us less fortunate fishermen. 

Eric was one of the first anglers to arrive at Holgan Farm when it was in the early stages of construction and never seemed to leave. He was an almost permanent fixture, especially on the Tench Lake, his favourite lake. Anyone who has ever visited the fishery will have met Eric, he was that type of chap, always keen to welcome visitors and make them feel at home. As the self proclaimed elder statesman of Holgan Farm he took a lot of light hearted mickey taking, which he took on the chin with good humour, so much so that he adopted the nickname of “the old man” on this site. 

Goodbye Old Man, you were a good friend to us all, in your final days you acted with great courage and dignity when faced with the devastating news. We don’t know if St Peter organises Golden Peg matches up there but by the time the rest of us join you I bet you’ll have one organised. Don’t forget the margins!! 

Anyone wishing to leave a tribute to Eric, please post in the forum where a thread has been started. Funeral to take place at Ebenezer Chapel, Haverfordwest on Thursday 25th September at 2pm.