TRIBUTES have poured in for a much-loved Tetbury resident and devoted family man, who died after being struck by a lorry.

Tim Adkin, 91, who lived in Coombe House, Tetbury, was fatally injured when he was hit by the vehicle as it turned into London Road from Hampton Street last Friday at 10.35am. 

An air ambulance was called but he died at the scene.

Flowers and tributes have been placed on the railings at the bottom of Hampton Street from those who knew him or simply wanted to pay their respects.

Mr Adkin, born on December 11, 1924 was a pilot in the Royal Navy and served in the Fleet Air Arm during the Second World War when he was still in his teens.

He trained in Pensacola, USA and later served in the Korean War.

Mr Adkin married Dawn Trollope in 1954 and they had four children; Belinda Bertie, William Adkin, Joanna Hitchcock, and Jessica Logan and nine grandchildren.

He spent many years working in London before moving to Cirencester and later Tetbury. He retired as he approached his 80th birthday.

He was described by daughter Belinda as remaining 'fiercely independent' after the passing of his wife Dawn, who he had been married to for nearly 50 years.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

(Tim Adkin and Dawn married in 1954)

Mrs Bertie, who lives in Cirencester, said: “My father was a family man and devoted to his four children, nine grandchildren and extended family.

“He was well-known in and around Tetbury for his regular walks in all weathers when he would stop and talk to people.

“It was tragic that he lost his life so abruptly. He received absolutely wonderful care from the police, the ambulance service, air ambulance, Dr Walsh, and Dr Watts from Romney House Surgery, all of who did everything they could to help him.

“Our great thanks also go to the passers-by who helped him, and in particular the lovely woman, whose name we do not know, who held his hand throughout.

“It is a comfort for all of his family to know that he received such wonderful care. Thank you.”

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

(Tim Adkin, his granddaughter and his daughter Belinda Bertie at the Westonbirt Arboretum two days before the fatal accident)

Trevor Marsh, 71, lived with Mr Adkins in Coombe House and had known the ex-pilot for a decade.

He said: “He was my neighbour, my mate and drinking partner. About eight of us would meet up with other residents in the house every Monday for a drink and he would always have a bottle of white wine.

“It’s heartbreaking. I’m still trying to come to terms with it. I cannot believe I have lost a great friend.

“Last night we had drinks and Tim was not there. It’s not quite the same now because we miss him - he is one of us.

“We also organised a summer garden party and Tim won’t be there. To die like that so suddenly and so unexpectedly is tragic.

“He was an absolute gentleman. He was immaculate and would wake up early and walk every day, morning, noon and night.

“For a man with shaky legs and a walking stick, it was remarkable. He walked more than some youngsters.

“I wish I had known him earlier and met him when I was 35 or 40.”

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

(One of the messages left near the scene: "In loving memory of our dear friend Tom Adkin who lost his life here on Friday morning 29th April. From all his friends and residents at Coombe House. Rest in peace dear friend.")

Friend Barry Barnes, 73, of Magdalen Road, Tetbury, was shocked by the news. He said: “He was an absolute gentleman. He was also a bit of a ladies’ man.

“His passion was always flying, the war itself was irrelevant to him. For a man with all that wartime experience, to be knocked down in a road, is just tragic.”

Joolee Hirons, manager at Coombe House, said: “Tim was the perfect gentleman who always looked out for his neighbours and was a very active member of the community at Coombe House.

“He was also very well known in the wider Tetbury community – regularly walking a few miles each day whatever the weather and speaking to everyone who passed him along the way.

“Everybody at Coombe House is devastated by this news and our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family at this extremely difficult time.”