TRIBUTES have been paid to a true gentleman described by his grandson as “Mr Perfect”.

Chas Atkinson died at home in Pickering on June 21, aged 76.

Originally from East Yorkshire, Chas grew up on the family farm and married his wife, Kate, at Beverley Minster in 1965.

The couple continued in farming, running two farms with Chas’ parents for more than 10 years, before buying The Buck Inn at Wrelton.

With three daughters, Mandy, Debbie and Lindsey, Kate ran the pub side, while Chas set up Chas Atkinson Tyres in the adjourning garage and petrol station.

Kate said: “It was hard work and long days, but we were young and worked well together. I served the pints and dealt with the petrol side, while Chas built the garage side up.”

The business expanded to include two further garages in Helmsley and Pickering, which Chas continued to run after retiring from the pub in 2001.

After moving to Pickering, Chas and Kate continued their involvement with Pickering Rotary Club.

“Chas was always keen to get involved, helping out at charity events and helping to run the Rotary stand at Ryedale Show,” Kate said.

“We also made the trip to Venice in 2017 when Pickering Rotary Club modified a fishing boat to look like a pirate ship and took part in the annual Vogalonga.”

Kate said their family, including son-in-laws Graham, Duncan and Mark, and 15-year-old grandson, Louie, has always been very close and supportive.

“We were married for 55 years and lived and worked well together,” she added.

“Chas was so fun-loving and always ready for a laugh and pulling someone’s leg.

“Since his death I have had so many flowers and cards saying what a gentleman Chas was. He was very well known and very much respected in Ryedale.

“He was also a family man and a wonderful grandad to Louie who persuaded him to have ‘Mr Perfect’ on his lorry because that was how he saw him.”

A restricted funeral will take place at East Riding Crematorium tomorrow (Thursday, July 2) at 12.30pm. The cortège leaves the Helmsley garage at 10.50am, passing through Kirkbymoorside and Pickering if people want to pay there respects at the side of the main road, abiding to social distance regulations.