THE family of Geoffrey Lewis have paid tribute to the Lions stalwart, who has died at the age of 84.

Geoffrey (Geoff) was a long-serving member in the Malvern club, where he served as president in the 1980s and also latterly in Worcester.

Malvern born-and-bred, he did an engineering apprenticeship Malvern RSRE and spent most of his working life as a mechanical engineer

He was a loving and dedicated husband, nursing his late wife Maureen for many years until her death in 2008.

A keen interest in rally sports in his younger years was followed by equal enthusiasm for steam railways as he moved through life. He also loved baking and would make birthday cakes for family and friends.

Son Tony said: “Throughout Dad’s long service with the Lions, he gave up many evenings and weekends to organise and help out at events to raise money for many local charities.

“This included sponsored hill walks, casino nights and ‘It’s a Knockout’ events at the three Counties Showground to name but a few.

“He was always very active and maintained the gardens around the apartment where he lived.

“Dad was well know for his jokes and would use them to break the ice when meeting someone new.

“But the family knew them as ‘Grandad jokes’ because we had heard them so many times before!”

Geoffrey leaves his daughter Pauline and two sons, Gary and Tony, as well as his six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

His funeral will take place on Thursday, October 14, at noon at the Vale Crematorium.