TRIBUTES PAID TO RETIRED MINER WHOSE GENEROSITY TO NEIGHBOURS AND SOCIAL FRIENDS WENT DEEP

'WHAT A DARLING, AND ALWAYS GOOD TIMES WHEN THE OLD LAD WAS ABOUT'

ATHERSTONE has been invited to pay its respects to a cheeky chappie dubbed 'The Goody Man' on his final journey through town tomorrow.

Tributes have poured onto social media following the death of former Baddesley pit worker Gordon Gudger whose funeral cortege will wend its way across Atherstone tomorrow.

A keen sportsman in his playing days at Atherstone Cricket Club and Witherley United FC as well as enjoying a game of golf at Purley Chase in later years, the great many friends he made on his travels said he could "strike up a conversation in an empty room" and was blessed with a wicked laugh and a "mischievous glint in his eye".

But for one particular trait this "incredible character" will always be remembered – the generous nature of his giving.

Carrie Laight, a neighbour for nearly 30 years, said of great-grandad Gudge's many kindnesses: "Birthdays, Christmas and Easter goodies would appear over the garden fence in a bag on the end of his line prop for my sons when they were little."

Sue Wilson remembers him from Atherstone Leisure Complex as the "first man" to join a pool full of ladies at aquacise classes three decades ago.

She recalls: "He used to spoil us rotten with cream cakes. Everyone absolutely loved him – a right loveable character."

Life guard Lindsay Gilliver Gordon described Gudge as "truly a lovely, thoughtful man", adding: "I used to love seeing him at Atherstone Leisure Complex, he was everyone's favourite.

"He always brought us lifeguards chocolates bars in after winning them at the bingo. He will be deeply be missed by all who knew him. RIP Aqua Man."

Class teacher Nicola Jane Lea said: "I remember him when teaching aquacise as such a cheeky chap with a cheeky grin who always entertained the ladies – and had everyone in stitches."

And from Hayley Reay who said: "Such a lovely man. I used to see him at swimming all the time. Always so cheeky but so loveable."

Marie Messenger added: "RIP, a true gent who always put a smile on my face with his cheeky ways."

Godson Alan Beale posted: "Gordon was a wonderful man and a life-long friend to my father, Jeff."

Atherstone Hockley Club stalwart Shane Ford said: "What a darling, and always good times when the old lad was about."

Carer Fiona Dunlop, who has been looking after Gudge for the past eight months, said: "He was a lovely man who always loved a laugh, with that twinkle in his eye

"I will miss him playing his Doris Day collection during our calls."

But for Gudge there was really only one Doris – his late wife – the couple enjoying a devoted marriage of more than 50 years."

Later on in life, when he was no longer able to drive, Age UK helped him to retain some independence in the community by organising weekly trips allowing Gudge to socialise –something that always played a big part in his life.

Debbie Beebe, on behalf of the Age UK group at Grendon, said he would be great missed, adding: "What a character, loads of lovely memories."

In recognition of the help from Age UK, Mr Gudger's family has launched a JustGiving page which has already surpassed the £100 target and currently stands at £475.

A message on the justgiving page, which you can find here, says: "If you'd like to pay tribute to a wonderful father, grandfather, great grandfather and all round top bloke – Age UK and the family would be so grateful."

For townsfolk wanting to pay their roadside respects to his memory, the cortege is leaving his home in St George's Road at 9.45am on Tuesday and will head down Long Street before making its way to Nuneaton Crematorium for 10.15am.

Mr Gudger passed away after a short illness on May 22.