“He was our hero.”

That was the moving tribute from the family of long-serving New Waltham parish councillor, Robert Thompson who died after a short illness.

The 86-year-old died in Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby on Saturday, June 10.

He had served 35 years on the parish council and was also a governor at Enfield Academy for more than a decade.

His contribution to his community was honoured by having a road named after him.

Son Christopher said: “He was such a modest man. He did not bat an eye lid when the road was named after him. He did not even take us to have a look.”

Thompson Road named after Robert Thompson

He told how his father was renowned for his construction skills and built three garages and several garden walls for neighbours in Priors Close.

It was a home he shared with his wife of 57 years, Avril.

They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 2010.

Avril said: “He was my hero. We enjoyed our dancing and having a laugh.”

She recalled how she fell for her future husband when they met at a Halloween party in Leeds where she was in nurses’ accommodation.

Robert became her carer after Avril suffered a stroke a couple of years ago.

His family recalled one of his experiences while fulfilling his National Service aboard aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious.

Son Christopher told how he had to jump out of the way of a plane approaching the deck to land and he landed in the sea, jumping so far out even the safety net below the deck failed to catch him.

He was a keen model aeroplane enthusiast and had a number of home-built planes he enjoyed flying with friends.

He also enjoyed his visits to the Gala bingo hall.

Robert dressed up as Santa each Christmas to bring joy to people in hospital and at school.

Although he trained as an architect, Robert spent most of his working life as a electro-mechanical field service engineer repairing bus ticket machines and cinema ticket booths.

After he retired 30 years ago Robert dedicated his time to caretaking both the former wooden-built New Waltham village hall and the newer brick-built building.

Daughter Suzanne said: “He was very much part of the community and forever helping people out.”

She added: “He was always generous with his time and very practical. He could turn his hand to anything.”

His daughter said: “He was a survivor, even overcoming a brain tumour when he was in his early 40s. He had a large scar which he often joked with people was caused by his wife with an axe.”

He is also survived by his three grandchildren Sophie, Aaron and Bethany.

A service to celebrate his life will be held from 1.40pm on Wednesday 21 at Grimsby Crematorium, followed by a wake at Virgin Active Humberston Club.