FOR decades he was a well-known figure and fearless goalkeeper on the Swindon six and seven-a-side evening soccer scene.

On Sunday father-of-two Dougie Walker, 64, lost a brave battle with cancer after twice beating off the disease.

The retired building society manager, who lived in Wroughton, died peacefully with his children Marianne, 39 and John, 37 at his bedside.

He passed away at the Prospect Hospice two weeks after his old footballing pals – team-mates and opponents alike – paid a heartfelt tribute to him.

More than 30 people who played either for or against Dougie at the Oasis and Dorcan pitches in Swindon from as far back as 35 years turned up at the Iron Horse pub, Wroughton.

The idea was to have one last pint with Dougie and chat about their footballing exploits together. Sadly, Dougie was too ill to attend.

So his mates, who had come from as far as Reading and Rugby, walked to the hospice about 20 minutes away and met him in his room, two-at-a-time, before bidding a final farewell.

Yesterday Marianne, of Gorse Hill, said: “He was absolutely elated at that. He said it was amazing. He was so pleased to see so many people he had known from his football days. He really loved it.”

Since the late 70s, Dougie had been in charge of various soccer teams – including the Ramsbury and West of England Building Societies – for whom he worked and later the Fox & Hounds.

They mostly competed in six or seven-a-side leagues on the outdoor pitches at the Oasis and Dorcan. He was the goalie, captain and organiser of his teams that over the decades netted trophy after trophy.

For many years he was branch manager of the Ramsbury Building Society, (which later became the West of England then the Portman) in Commercial Road, Swindon, before managing its offices in Royal Wootton Bassett.

After retiring, he ran a craft market at St Peter’s church, Marlborough, for several years. Dougie was forced to quit his beloved football at 62 in 2011 when he contracted prostate cancer.

After overcoming that, he was diagnosed with lung cancer and had half a lung removed. Tragedy struck, however, at the start of this year when a primary brain tumour was detected and he was given just months to live.

Marianne said: “Dad was a real fighter. He had so much courage.”

The deterioration of Dougie – who had a three year-old grandchild Jacob – was rapid in recent months. Last week his family were told his breathing had changed and to expect the worst.

His mother Joyce Walker, 92, of Penhill, spent a day and a night at his bedside. Marianne and John were there for five days, holding his hand, before Dougie died at 6pm on Sunday.

Marianne said: “It was a lovely passing. We were there at dad’s bedside. We were talking to him.

“I’d like to think he could hear us because they say hearing is the last sense to go.

“It was a relief, really. He couldn’t go on like this. I’m sure he’s up there in heaven, running around – he was always so fit and active. The Prospect really looked after him well. The nurses were wonderful.”

Carpenter Colin Hayne, 48, of the town centre, a pal and footballing friend for 33 years, said: “Dougie was an unbeatable bloke. You couldn’t find anyone who didn’t like him.”

Retired estate agent Brian Dyke, 57, of Lawn, who also knew him for more than 30 years, said: “He was a top footballer and a top bloke; mad as a hatter in goal though. My one regret is I always seemed to be playing against him!”