TRIBUTES have been paid to a “true Sidmothian” and much-loved family man who died last week.

TRIBUTES have been paid to a ‘true Sidmothian’ and much-loved family man who died last week.

Retired master builder Maurice Henry Dunford, known as Monty, was the last of three brothers whose family firm was responsible for scores of Sidmouth homes.

The granddad-of-five dedicated more than half a century to helping the town’s scouts and cubs and the 82 year old was also handed the ‘freedom of FolkWeek’ after decades of service.

Monty’s two children, Chris and Lesley, this week remembered their late father as ‘a wonderful dad and granddad with a passion for Sidmouth’.

“Despite having so many interests, it was his family that brought him the greatest joy,” they told the Herald.

Monty, of Sidford Road, suffered a fall in the snow on Christmas Eve while out delivering presents.

He never recovered and lost a battle with pneumonia last Thursday (April 14). Monty died in the loving arms of his family.

Daughter Lesley, 48, thanked staff at Sidmouth Victoria Hospital who cared for him in his last few months.

“They were absolutely wonderful,” she said.

“It was fitting he was able to spend his last few months in a valley that he knew so well and offered so much to,” added son Chris, 49. “He loved Sidmouth.”