Tributes have been paid to a former North Yorkshire publican described as 'a perfect landlord'.

Neville Kirkpatrick, who ran The Fairfax Arms in Gilling East, near Helmsley, with his wife Sandra for 14 years, died on September 3 aged 81.

Born in North Yorkshire to Reginald and Florence Kirkpatrick, Neville was the third of their five children, with elder siblings, Marion and Gerald, and younger siblings, Ronald and Ann.

Neville attended Archbishop Holgate’s School in York , and after that worked in a variety of jobs, including alongside his Dad - on his mobile bread van, and then for a number of years in a family haulage business.

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Neville got to know Sandra as she lived within 500 yards of him in Dunnington - they were both part of a group of lads and lasses who would all go out together. They went on to be married and to become parents to their son, Dan.

In the late 1970s Neville found his true calling - as a publican. Firstly at The Black Horse in Ainderby Quernhow and then The Fairfax Arms in Gilling East from 1984 - 1998.

Neville and Sandra earned the loyalty of customers and staff alike during their years at the Fairfax Arms - someone recently shared these words with Dan, “I will never forget the image of him behind the bar – he was a perfect landlord. Many people will remember him with fondness.”

The couple moved to Pocklington to retire, however, retirement at the age of 55 was not really for Neville and after buying and running a shop in Skipton with Sandra for a couple of years he found a part time position more locally with RM English's in Pocklington.

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The barman life did eventually draw him back and he worked into his 70s a few evenings each week at The Plough in Hayton and The Hotham Arms.

Following Sandra's passing in 2001, Neville found a real passion for walking, long haul travel and golf. Neville played golf at the KP Club in Pocklington and visited some unique holiday destinations including to Borneo and Thailand.

Neville was a founder member of Pocklington Rambers and committee member for many years.

Martin Hill, from the group, said: "Never one to criticise but quick to show his appreciation of the efforts of others, Neville's standing and popularity within the group rode high. He will be greatly missed by the many members who were privileged to walk with him. For many years Neville was a big part of our group, and he regularly led walks until Covid came along.”

Neville welcomed his daughter-in-law, Alice, into the family, and he then found a new passion in September 2021 - doting on his granddaughter, Matilda.

Neville’s health had not been good in recent times, but he was able to celebrate his 80th birthday back at the Fairfax Arms at a surprise party organised by Dan. After suffering a stroke, Neville moved into South Park Care Home where he passed away.

A funeral service was held for Neville at East Riding Crematorium on Monday, September 23.