TRIBUTE has been paid to a well-known sportsman with a “big personality” following his sudden death.

Doug ‘Dougie’ Curtin was born in Cogan, Penarth, on September 15, 1947, and died from a sudden heart attack on August 6, 2022.

In a tribute, his family wrote:

“As most people will say about him 'small in stature, but huge in personality and character'.

“He was always laughing and renowned for relaying a good story – we have been overwhelmed by the messages we have had for him as he was well loved in our community.

“We are heartbroken by his sudden passing, and he will be hugely missed.”

Mr Curtin met his soulmate, Suzie Curtin, when he was just five years old on his first day at Victoria Primary School.

They were in each other’s lives for 70 years and were married at St David’s Church on December 21, 1968.

Penarth Times:

Mrs Curtin said:

“He was not only my husband – he was my best friend and soulmate,

“I can’t recall a day without him; life just won’t be the same without our wonderful Dougie.”

The couple had one daughter – Lucy Llewellyn, 46 - who gave them twin grandsons: Max and Evan who are now 10 years old.

“My dad is their hero,” said Ms Llewellyn.

“They love sport and are fabulous little cricketers and great footballers too, following very much in their grandad’s footsteps.”

Penarth Times:

Sport was a huge part of Mr Curtin’s life – particularly football, rugby, and cricket.

He repesented Welsh Schoolboys for Football in 1963 and played opposite the great Harry Redknapp on April 27, 1963, making him the first pupil from St Cyres Comprehensive School to gain a Welsh cap in football.

Upon leaving school he signed as a professional for Cardiff City and went on to play for Barry Town, Sully, and Mansfield Town before hanging up his football boots.

Penarth Times:

Mr Curtin then turned his attention to cricket – initially as a wicket keeper for Penarth 1st Team before moving to wicket keep for Barry Athletic until he was 60 years old. He was also capped again for Wales (over 50s Welsh cricket).

A keen golfer, Mr Curtin played at Dinas Powis Golf Club for many years and – in later years – played bowls for Sully Bowls Club. He was also a member of the Rotary Club and Probus clubs in Dinas Powys.

Penarth Times:

After he finished his football career, Mr Curtin started working at a Barry builders merchants Dee Bee’s where he progressed to sales rep. He later joined large timber merchants F.W. Morgan progressing to sales director.

“Dad never liked being behind a desk and would always like to be out and about with his customers, still taking orders with a pad and a pen, the day before we sadly lost him,” said Ms Llewellyn.