TRIBUTES have been paid to a Southwold man who lived in the town all his life and made a huge contribution to the local community.Derek Doy died at his home in Southwold on October 29 at the age of 77.

TRIBUTES have been paid to a Southwold man who lived in the town all his life and made a huge contribution to the local community.

Derek Doy died at his home in Southwold on October 29 at the age of 77. His funeral was held at St Edmund's Church on Thursday, last week, and the church was packed with about 800 people attending.

Mr Doy had been a fisherman working out of Southwold Harbour for many years and was the husband of the town's mayor Sue Doy.

'We have been greatly comforted by all the messages and cards we have received following Derek's death,' said Mrs Doy.

'Everyone has been so kind and the family would like to say a big thank you to all those who attended the funeral and have supported us. It has been very much appreciated,' she said.

Known to everyone in Southwold as 'Dutta' Mr Doy loved the outdoor life and it was no surprise when he became a fisherman.

At the age of 18 he joined the Royal Engineers as part of his national service and earned a reputation as a talented boxer winning a number of trophies.

For many years Mr and Mrs Doy have been active members of the Royal British Legion, both in Southwold and further afield.

There were several RBL standards on show at his funeral and the music was supplied by the Leiston RBL Band as Mr Doy had been its drum major.

Together with three friends Mr Doy was instrumental in forming the Southwold and Reydon Corps of Drums and was a trustee of the band.

He was a former member of the Southwold lifeboat crew and was a volunteer coastguard for more than 20 years.

Mr and Mrs Doy have four children, nine grandchildren and one great grandson.

'Derek was very proud of his family and was a real family man. We all loved his dry sense of humour and miss him very much,' said Mrs Doy.

'He was a genuine Southwold character through and through and he loved the town where he was born and lived all his life. It has been wonderful for the family to have received over 300 cards and numerous phone calls and letters,' she said.

Donations in memory of Mr Doy are being received for the next three weeks in aid of the RBL Leiston Band or Southwold Surgery by Fishers Funeral Service, Field Stile Road, Southwold, IP18 6LD.