FAMILY and friends have paid tribute to a former deputy mayor of Weymouth who has passed away.

Percy Diment, who was born in Wyke Regis, died in his sleep at the age of 90 at Avonlea Nursing Home.

The father-of-two, who had a son and daughter, was the deputy mayor of Weymouth from 1995-1996.

He was happily married to his wife, Iris, of 48 years before she lost her battle with cancer in 1992.

Friends and family have described Mr Diment as a ‘one off’, ‘tremendous chap’ who ‘didn’t take life too seriously’.

His daughter, Janice Record, described him as a ‘family-orientated’ father whose ethos was ‘smile and be happy’.

He was a councillor for the Weymouth West ward, covering the Wyke Regis end of Rodwell, where he lived for nearly 50 years.

The former self-employed taxi proprietor and driver was once an active member of the Conservative Association and a Conservative councillor before he left the Tories to become an Independent Conservative in 1994. He lost his seat in 1996, after serving for 12 years, just weeks before he was due to be sworn as mayor.

Mr Diment was an active member of Weymouth FC Supporters Club before going on to become a director of the Football club.

He was also the chairman of the south and west division of the National Federation of Football Clubs and a governor of Holy Trinity Primary School and Nursery, previously Holy Trinity Infants and Junior Schools.

Mrs Record, 62, said: “I have a lot of happy childhood memories.

“Dad had a very positive outlook on life and ‘smile and be happy’ was his ethos.”

Mr Diment’s son, Derrick, now 64, added: “He was an outgoing, cheerful man. He always looked at the positive side of things.”

Mayor of Weymouth and Portland Paul Kimber said Mr Diment was ‘absolutely devoted’ to Weymouth Football Club.

He said: “Percy was a tremendous lad.

“He didn’t take life too seriously but he was always able to get on and do things.”

Dorset County councillor Les Ames said: “I knew Percy very well and he did a lot for the town and for Weymouth FC.

“I only have great sadness because he was a really good bloke.”

Honorary Alderman Andy Hutchings added: “I remember Percy in the council as a great debater and someone who was patient about the people he represented.”

Mr Diment was employed by Vickers Armstrong Engineering Company as an engineer for a time but he then went on to serve as a taxi driver for 27 years before retiring.

He also served in the Dorset Regiment during the Second World War.

Leave your tributes to Percy Diment below n lucy.pearce@dorsetecho.co.uk