A WELL known and respected Worcester man who loved to help others has died suddenly at the age of 84.

Donald Smith was a true family man, but also looked out for his neighbours and friends.

One of 14 children, his parents were Romany gypsies though he and his brothers and sisters were brought up in the South Quay area of the city.

As a young lad he ran errands for local hotels and later worked on local farms and the land as a labourer with many of his family members. He loved the outdoors and a sedentary way of life. He disliked cars and never learned to drive, much preferring to get around on his bicycle.

"If he had to get into a car he wouldn't let you go over 30 mph," said his son, David.

"He was a very gentle man too. He was very soft with us and liked to make sure we were all tucked up at night when we were small."

Mr Smith spent the last 43 years of his life in Stallard Road and was the perfect neighbour. He campaigned for two bus stops to be built in St John's so that elderly people there didn't have to walk too far. He also organised a collection for the local postman who had retired after 40 years' service.

On the occasions he made something like a rabbit stew he would share it among his neighbours.

He was featured in the Worcester News many times, one occasion was highlighting his bravery after he rescued a man from a fire in house a few doors down.

"He actually loved being in the limelight and took great pride in being in the Evening News, as it was then called."

Mr Smith was dealt a blow when one of his daughters, Christine, died aged just 27, and he took over the raising of her four-year-old son, Dean. Not long afterwards his wife, June, died suddenly aged 59 and just before last Christmas his son, Martin, died.

Latterly all the families and friends of those who he had helped over the years returned the favour and his house was never empty and his front door was always unlocked.

A funeral service is taking place at St Clement's Church, in Henwick Road, at 12 noon on Wednesday May 25 and a horse and cart will bring Mr Smith's coffin.

He leaves sons David, Anthony and Paul, and daughter, Rosie. He also leaves many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.