HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a former rugby club president.

Richard Smith, one of the founders of Canvey Rugby Club, has died.

Families, sporting fans and friends have paid tribute to a man who helped set up and make the popular club on Dovervelt Road a major success.

Lovingly dubbed Biff by close friends he spent about 40 years with the club.

A spokesman for Canvey Rugby Club posted on Facebook: “It’s hard to put into words exactly how much this man means to us.

“I’ve tried several times already and keep screwing it up.

“Richard Smith you were quite simply Canvey Rugby Club.

“The club you helped create, has gone on to help so many people in the community.

“This club is your legacy and we have a debt of gratitude for everything you did for it.

“Biff you were larger than life, funny, articulate, argumentative, a real wind up merchant with a heart of gold.

“Nobody loved this club like you.

“Fiercely protective over it and full of pride when talking about it.

“As members it is our job to love it like you did and look after it.”

Mr Smith’s death has been met with an outpouring of sadness by friends on Facebook.

Dave Vincent posted: “R.I.P my old friend Richard Biff Smith you taught myself and lots of other people so much.

“Definitely one of kind.

“Thinking of your lovely family at this time.”

Lisa Shrubb said: “Yoga means to unite and you brought yoga to the rugby club with your huge character and community spirit.

“You will be truly missed RIP Richard Biff Smith.”

‎Rory Michael Kiernan‎ posted: “I often told Biff, he should be a stand up comedian.

“We have lost the jokes, but heaven has gained them.

“Rest in Peace Biff.”

Other sporting clubs also took to social media to post about the loss and their memories.

A spokesman for Runwell Wyverns RFC posted online: “A sad day for Essex rugby.”