TRIBUTES have poured in for a former yard worker described as an ‘incredible’ man who was the ‘heart and soul’ of Piel Island.

Long-time friends of Keith Thompson have paid tribute to the 75-year-old after he ‘suddenly died’ in his house in Dominion Street, Walney on Friday.

Mr Thompson, who was unmarried and left behind no children, suffered with a range of health issues prior to his death.

Life-long friends of Mr Thompson, Keith Coulthard and Dave Rollison, remember him as a ‘smiling and friendly man’ who would have ‘done anything for anyone’.

Mr Coulthard, who grew up on Piel Island alongside Mr Thompson, said: “Keith was always such an active lad who rode his bike to Piel Island every weekend, whatever the weather.

“He was a very private guy who kept himself to himself but he was such a nice and genuine person.

“He had a very dry sense of humour and would come out with some hilarious things with a dead-pan face.”

Mr Coulthard described Mr Thompson’s death as a ‘big loss to the town’.

“Everyone who knew him should feel truly blessed because he was such a nice person,” he said.

“I can still see him now pushing his bike across the sands to Piel Island, it held a special place in his heart.”

Mr Thompson previously owned a property on Piel Island which was destroyed in a fire in the 1980s.

However, himself and childhood friend Dave Rollison spent years rebuilding the house together.

Mr Rollinson said: “We’ve shared some very precious memories building that house back together.

“He loved Piel Island and he loved the sea, he spent most of his life there.

“He was a very laid-back and easy going person who we’ll all miss.”

Mr Thompson frequented Piel Island less and less as his health grow worse.

“He was a really independent person so I know he struggled when he became less mobile,” Mr Coulthard said.

“We’ll all remember him as the smiling Keith walking across the sands.”