ONE of Gwent's longest-serving and most respected solicitors and a stalwart of Newport Golf Club has died, aged 79.

War veteran Tom Davis notched up 52 years as a solicitor, mainly with the old Newport-based family firm Lebrasseur Davis and Sons.

A wholehearted supporter of the city's sporting traditions, he could boast more than 50 years' membership at Newport Golf Club, and longstanding connections with Stow Park Tennis Club and Newport Rugby Club.

Mr Davis' brother, Gilbert, said his interest in sport continued up to his death last Wednesday.

"He supported Newport Rugby Club for years, supported the Dragons in their first season and had renewed his ticket for this season," he said.

"Tom would have been 80 on October 21, Trafalgar Day, a celebration he loved, and he said all he wanted to do was celebrate his birthday on the 200th anniversary (of the Battle of Trafalgar) this year.

"Sadly, that's not to be, but he was very highly respected and well known, and the letters, cards and phone calls we've had are a measure of how much his many friends thought of him."

Tom Davis was educated at Downside, the Roman Catholic public school near Bath. He joined the Royal Navy during the Second World War - his brother, Phillip, was killed in the conflict - and saw active service on motor torpedo boats.

On being demobbed in 1946 he began a legal career, being articled to his solicitor father, John Owen Davis. Thereafter he became a partner in the firm and celebrated 50 years as a solicitor in 1998, retiring in 2000.

During that career he was secretary and president of the Monmouthshire Incorporated Law Society, and president of the South Western Law Societies.

Captain of Newport Golf Club in 1975, he was also president during 1999/2000. He had also been president of the Newport branch of the Catenian Association, a Roman Catholic professional and businessmen's organisation.

Mr Davis' wife, Bridget, predeceased him. He leaves two sons, Andrew and Ben, a daughter, Kate, and five grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held at St Mary's RC Church, Stow Hill, tomorrow (Friday).