THE FAMILY of a much-loved fisherman and RNLI volunteer have today paid tribute to the ‘kind, caring, wonderful’ man who they say was adored by everyone who met him.

Trevor Brooker, from Weymouth, was found dead on his boat on Sunday, September 13. The cause of his death is not yet known.

He leaves behind his two beloved daughters, Rebecca and Lorna, brothers Barry, Philip and Colin, and his partner of three years, Hayley Collins.

The 56-year-old was a lifelong fisherman and deputy second coxswain at Weymouth RNLI lifeboat station for more than 17 years .

The station’s flag has been flying at half-mast as a sign of respect to Mr Brooker since his death.

Devastated Hayley said: “He was a kind, caring, wonderful man and a true gentleman in every sense of the word.

“He was so well-liked, everyone who knew him thought he was wonderful, he was such an easy-going, laid back man. He was always there to help people.

“He was a doting dad and was always so proud of his girls. He absolutely adored them."

Picking up a passion for fishing as a 14-year-old, Trevor began work on a fishing boat in 1980, just one day after finishing school.

He has been a well known and loved character amongst Weymouth’s fishing community and harbourside ever since, with his exceptional skills as a fisherman were recognised by all.

In such a dangerous profession Trevor always took safety very seriously. However, on one particular occasion the harbour master was less than impressed with him when he returned to port with a Second World War mine in his nets. He was asked to return to sea immediately and drop his nets.

Hayley added: “Trevor was a real character. He used to make a gin and tonic for me every day when I got home. For Christmas one year he bought me a ‘gin bell’ for Christmas but when I tried to ring it I realised he’d put Blu Tack on the inside so it didn’t make a sound.

“We’re all going to miss him so much, our lives will never be the same again. We all loved him very much.”

Trevor’s two daughters, Rebecca and Lorna, said: “Dad dedicated his life to giving back to his community, helping and saving others as part of his role within the RNLI but also within his personal life.

“He really was someone who could be counted upon and a valued friend to so many. We’ve been touched to read so many kind words about dad since his passing, which coupled with the fact that he died doing what he loved, has given us tremendous comfort.

“He was a kind, generous and loving man hidden behind a tough exterior. Although he was a man of few words, he had a wicked sense of humour - and a bank of awful dad jokes - known only by those who knew him well.

“He will be missed every day but remains within our hearts.”