A veteran war hero has been described as a real "father figure" in a heartwarming tribute.
Gerry Tribe, who lived a large part of his life in Hanworth and was one of the longest-serving members of children's charity Horse Rangers (HRA), in Hampton Court, sadly died on July 3 at the age of 92.
The organisation, which teaches horsemanship to young people, has paid tribute to its colonel in chief - a legend in his lifetime - who stumbled on the work of the charity when he visited in 1968 to help his daughter Tina when she started to ride.
The former pupil at Tiffin Boys School in Kingston and ex-military man was asked to join the Horse Rangers as an officer shortly after in 1970, working his way up to a squadron commandant, then senior adjutant and, in 1977, commanding officer.
He retired from the post after 26 years before becoming colonel in chief in 2004, and was made a honorary life member in 2009 in recognition of his contribution to the group.
A contemporary ranger said: "His popularity never waned.
“When Gerry took on the CO role we were delighted for him and his new position and were secretly glad it wasn't anyone strict!
"He was a real 'Father Figure' to us all; someone who we could have a bit of a laugh and a joke with and know that he would always be very fair and unbiased.
"An absolute gentleman; 24 carat."
He was described as a kind, helpful and caring man who rarely raised his voice and was always willing to give a hand to show how things should be done.
A great supporter, he went along to all the events in the Horse Ranger calendar including the very recent Riding for the Disabled open day on June 26, a week before his death.
A funeral service is due to be held at South West Middlesex Crematorium in Hanworth on July 22 at 2.40pm.
Family flowers only or donations made payable to Horse Rangers Association or Cancer Research UK.
