TRIBUTES have been pouring in for Woking Snooker Centre founder Bob Mason, who has died at the age of 88.

Bob, who grew up in Ottershaw, was a huge influence on grass-roots snooker and a key figure within English snooker and billiards.

“I have known Bob for over 50 years and his support to me personally and to amateur snooker and especially the Byfleet League will never be surpassed. An exceptionally kind man who gave his life to the game we all love. We are poorer with his passing,” said Kevin on the Snooker Centre’s social media page, summing up the feelings of many.

“What can I say?” said Brian. “He did so much for the game he loved and helped so many players. Gave me a chance to coach at the Woking club when I first moved to Surrey 10 years ago. I won’t forget his kindness.”

Bob opened the snooker centre with his wife, Kay, in November 1988, after a career in engineering.

“He was passionate about snooker and billiards,” his daughter Julie Johnson said. “He was a former president of the Byfleet Snooker League, formed the Surrey Snooker Association and was the Surrey representative on the Billiards & Snooker Control Council, the world governing body for snooker and billiards. He then became one of their directors.

“And that’s just a few of his achievements. He started out with the aim of just having his own snooker table, then ended up with the club!

“He became a professional snooker referee, examiner, and a qualified coach – having former world champion Terry Griffiths assess him.”

Bob was no stranger to world champions, having jointly managed an England amateur team which would include Ronnie O’Sullivan, Peter Ebdon and Alison Fisher, who all went on to land world championships.

“Dad was a smart and caring person and would always support and help others,” Julie said. “We’re all really proud that the snooker centre has 20 fully accessible tables so everyone can play.

“The club is a wonderful asset for Woking and the whole of the South East, and that in itself is a fantastic legacy for Dad.”

Bob passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, just days short of his 89th birthday. “He always loved a party and I think he was trying to hang on for another one,” Julie said. “It wasn’t quite to be.”

Kay, with whom Bob celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in March, survives him, and she still lives in Maybury in the home they built soon after they married.

Bob also leaves two daughters, Julie and her younger sister Gill, and three grandchildren, Steven, David and Hollie.

Kay will continue to run the snooker centre with help from the family.

“Mum is 90 this year but she’s certainly still got all her marbles, although my husband Paul and I help her with the admin side,’’ Julie said.

“Pete Ruddick runs the club for us and helps with a variety of tournaments that we are now putting on. We also have Jasmine Bolsover, who has a women’s world snooker ranking of 17.

“We’re planning that this August there will be an open tournament on 26 and 27 August in memory of Dad. Details are via the club or www.snookerz.co.uk.”

Bob’s funeral will be at Woking Crematorium on Friday 16 June, followed by a reception at the snooker centre.

“We’d like to thank everyone for their support over the last few days,” Julie said. “Those who knew Dad are welcome at the reception, just please contact myself at the club for further details.”