Tributes have been paid to local man Thomas Lindsay Ellison, who passed away peacefully last month.

Known to many as ‘Tom’, Mr Ellison was born in Wrexham Road, Whitchurch in 1933.

He was the eldest son of Molly and Lindsay Ellison and had four brothers and four sisters.

He passed away on September 23 at Cloverfields Nursing Home in Whitchurch, aged 84.

His daughter, Cecilia Gockelen, has lead the tributes and given an insight into her father’s life.

Mr Ellison was educated in Whitchurch and lived in George Street and Caldicott Crescent growing up. He began his trade of brick layer with Salop Contractors, before leaving Whitchurch in 1951 to do his National Service.

He trained at Sir Thomas Moore barracks in Shrewsbury and performed duty in Germany and Kenya. On completing National Service he returned to brick-laying with Brookes Bros.

On October 1 1959, Mr Ellison married Mary Fitzpatrick who he met in Pwllheli.

They met, engaged and married within six months. They set up home and had two children, Cecilia and Bernadette, before moving into The Queens Head Pub in Sherrymill Hill as landlord and landlady in 1965.

During their time at the pub, son Andrew was born.

Mr Ellison started his own business in house building and renovations, which went from 1971 up until his retirement in 1991.

He kept a close eye on the construction of the bypass around Whitchurch and spent many hours walking the routes.

Mr Ellison also began Whitchurch Town 94, aiming for a football club and pitch.

His fundraising took place over a number of years, and although the goal was not fulfilled, the remaining trustees have donated money raised to 25 charities supporting football in Whitchurch, Prees and Wem.

“Tom was very much a local Whitchurch man, and was regularly seen strolling the high street with his trademark flat cap, he enjoyed a chat, and passing the time of day,” said Cecilia.

He leaves behind Mary and children Cecilia, Bernadette and Andrew and five grandchildren.

His family want to thank all the staff at Cloverfields, who looked after and supported Mr Ellison and family over the last three years, the staff at Whitchurch Community, Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals.

Thanks also to the ambulance and paramedic crews, the doctors and staff at Bridgewater Surgery.

Mr Ellison’s funeral is on Friday, October 13 at 12.30pm at St Georges Church followed by cremation at Shrewsbury. All welcome.