EMOTIONAL tributes have flooded in for a loving family man and former mayor of Weymouth and Portland Alan Martindale.

Mr Martindale, 91, who lived on Portland, passed away at Dorset County Hospital on New Year’s Day.

He was a much-loved father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Mr Martindale has been described by his wife Mollie, 69, as a ‘loving family man who was all heart’.

He was born in Kendal, Cumbria in 1922 but came to Portland in 1941 while serving in the RAF.

He joined Portland Urban District Council in 1958 serving until 1973, and due to the local government reorganisation he then moved to Weymouth and Portland Borough Council as a member of the planning, harbour and industry, environmental health and control committees.

Mr Martindale was mayor fromn 1993 until 1994, which at the time, marked a 35-year career as councillor for Portland Underhill and 19 years service with the borough.

He was made an honorary alderman of the borough in 1995.

Mrs Martindale added: “Alan had suffered a couple of heart attacks and his liver was not functioning properly. Doctors also said he had a bit of pneumonia – but 91 is a grand old age and he loved his life.

“Alan retired from the council shortly before the year 2000 because he wanted to go out on a high.

“He loved his family so much, but he was also a real community man who had a heart for people and Portland – the place he called home for more than 60 years.

“He was so kind and would always help anyone he could.

“Most of all he really lived for his family. Whether they came to visit him all at once or one at a time – he absolutely loved spending time with them all.”

Mayor of Portland Town Council, Les Ames, added: “Alan was always a very good friend and we supported each other on many occasions, especially on planning matters.

“My condolences go to his wife Mollie and his family, and my wife and I are thinking of them all at this time.”