Tributes paid to Bridlington lifeboat volunteer Albert Wilby who passed away aged 77

Albert Wilby, who had been supporting and helping raise funds for the lifeboat team since he moved to Bridlington in 1996, has died aged 77.

He was born in Leeds, in June 1942, and was a carpet fitter.

Mr Wilby was married to Susan and the couple had four daughters, 10 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

His daughter Clare Wilby said: “He was just lovely, bubbly and fun.”

He moved to Bridlington when he retired and soon started volunteering for RNLI Bridlington.

Andy Brompton, from RNLI Bridlington, said Mr Wilby was one of the lifeboat station’s longest-serving volunteers and was well known to many of the lifeboat’s members.

“Albert started volunteering at the Lifeboat shop in the 1990s on South Marine Drive before going on to become manager at the inshore boathouse shop and then taking up the challenge of managing the King Street shop.

“His service to RNLI Bridlington did not go without notice, with him receiving awards from the Institution - the most notable being a Gold Service badge for his long and committed service.

“Albert was one of life's great characters and his dedication to the station was outstanding, even ill health could not stop him.

“We send our thoughts and deepest sympathy to his family and friends.”

Mr Wilby’s funeral will take place at noon on Wednesday, February 12 at The Chapel in Bridlington Cemetery.