John Gray was resident pro at the club for 40 years and throughout his career became a “boss, mentor, coach and a friend” to many.
On March 7, John passed away at East Lothian Community Hospital, aged 77.
He was originally from the Dunbar area and, when he left school at 16, became a greenkeeper at the village’s golf club.
During his five years in the role, John taught himself to play golf, practising during any spare hours before or after work.
He then joined as an assistant professional to Gordon Durward at Longniddry Golf Club in 1968.
John then met Dorothy at a golf competition in Spain and they married in 1977.
The couple lived in Links Cottage at the bottom of the golf course car park with Dorothy’s three children – David, Lesley and Louise – and son John, who was born in 1980; later came seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
John retired in 2018, shortly after his 70th birthday and, always one to keep busy, he pursued another passion: training and raising dogs, which he had enjoyed throughout his life.
READ MORE: Long-serving Longniddry Golf Club professional John Gray retiring
To honour his legacy as a “true ambassador of the game”, the 18th hole at Longniddry Golf Club was renamed Gray’s Hame upon his retirement.
His son John described his dad as “the nicest guy you could ever meet”.
He said: “He never had anything bad to say about anybody, nobody ever had anything bad to say about him.
“A true gentleman, that’s how he was: an old-school true gent.”
In the 40 years John was part of Longniddry Golf Club, more than 20 golf professionals came through the club who he either taught personally or who worked for him.
John’s family were joined by many golfers whose lives he had touched, paying respect and thanks to the man whom it was “a privilege for all to be acquainted with”.
Elliott Gray, golf professional, said: “John was a well-respected professional and, once you got to know him, a man of integrity, trust and also very kind.
“There was always an open invite to the back shop to listen to his stories.
“John, you will be missed by so many of us. We will never forget you and your influence on all of us over the years.”
A tribute was read at the funeral on behalf of Simon Mees, who was taught by John as a junior member, later became a golf professional, and who is now manager of a club in Thailand.
He said: “John was the epitome of professionalism, a mentor and a true ambassador of the game.
“His unwavering support for junior golf was extraordinary – he didn’t just teach the game, he nurtured a love for it, providing encouragement, guidance and opportunities for young players to thrive.
“John’s influence will live on through the many lives he touched, both on and off the course.”
Keith Nicholson, general manager at Longniddry Golf Club, said: “I did not have the pleasure of working with John, but he was an integral part of the club for almost 50 years until he retired, when the club awarded him the distinction of becoming an honorary member.
“The numbers that turned out for his funeral reflected the impact John had on everyone at the club.
“More than 20 of his assistants have gone on to establish themselves at clubs around the world and it was great to see several of them attend the funeral.
“He will be missed by all his friends at the club.”