TRIBUTES have been paid after the death of Brian Henry Thompson, 83, a man who enjoyed the outdoor life.

Mr Thompson, of Maple Lodge Care Home, near Richmond, and formerly of Hunton, near Bedale, North Yorkshire, died on May 13, at Maple Lodge Care Home, after a short illness.

Mr Thompson was born on the November 8, 1936, in Maltby, Lincolnshire, he was the eldest of four children, he had two brothers and a sister, his parents were Oliver Thompson and Clara Elsie Henry.

He married his former wife Linda Dodswoth in 1965 and they had two daughters, Susan Elizabeth and Janet Ann.

Mr Thompson worked as a farm labourer for Henry Pounder at Foal Park, Constable Burton, doing early morning milking. When he left there he drove a cattle haulage wagon for Cliff Smith of Hunton, until injury caused him to give up work at a relatively young age.

He then filled his time working at the Co-op in Northallerton, working in the warehouse, driving the delivery truck and mobile shop.

Mr Thompson was a fan of Country and Western music, especially Johnny Cash.

He also had a great love for the outdoors, and he was often seen with two English Springer spaniels and his ferrets.

He could also be found following the Bedale and West of Yore Hunts.

His love for outdoor life came from his father, who was a gamekeeper, but this also meant as Brian grew up, the family moved around a great deal, they lived at several different places including The Kennels, Sturton le Steeple, where his siblings were born, The Boggs, Copt Hewick, The Mill and The Grotto, Constable Burton. Swinithwaite, and finally Plum Tree Cottage, Constable Burton.

After his marriage he moved to Patrick Brompton, then Hunton and finally Maple Lodge Care Home.

Mr Thompson enjoyed tinkering with car engines, taking them apart and rebuilding them, sometimes with extra pieces on the kitchen table.

His family said: “We wish to say a special thank you to the staff at Maple Lodge Care Home for all their kindness and professionalism and a thank you to John Blenkiron and Son’s for their support and kindness at this very emotional time.”

Mr Thompson had two daughters Susan (Thomas) Mould and Janet (Alex) DeMarco; eight grandchildren William (Maddie) Mould, Christopher Mould, Paul Campbell, James (Laura Davis) Campbell, Francesca (Luke)Scanlon, Sarah (Luke)Bottomley, Alexis and Modesto DeMarco and three great-grandchildren Darcie-Rae Scanlon, Jack Bottomley, Noah Davis.

A funeral service was held on June 20 at Harrogate Crematorium led by Reverend Andrew Cromarty.

Donations were made to Meningitis Now.

Nephews Timothy (Joanne) Dodsworth and many more. Pre-deceased by his Nephew Paul Leonard. Great Nephews Alfie, Jacob and many more. Sister in Laws Christine and Rosemary Thompson. Brother in Law Frank Leonard. Mr Thompson is preceded by his parents Oliver and Clara Elsie Thompson. Brothers Tony and Terry Thompson. Sister Sheila Leonard. Grandson Thomas Mould.