TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular builder from Pill.

Barry William Probets died on April 7, aged 66, after a courageously-fought battle against cancer.

His wife Jan said: “He was a generous, loving man who touched the hearts of everyone he met and he will be greatly missed by all.”

Born in Bristol in 1946 to parents Margaret and William, he left school and completed an apprenticeship at AES Builders in Avonmouth where he developed his lifelong love of carpentry.

Over the years he also successfully ran a coach and taxi company.

Returning to his building work, he built his own family home in Pill and renovated a derelict shop in the village, forming three apartments and a hall.

Barry loved football and, as a passionate Bristol Rovers fan, he never liked to miss a game. He also spent much of his spare time and energy coaching teams at Portishead FC.

Dedicated to his family and friends, ‘Baz’ loved nothing more than spending time with the people he cared about, keen to share his interest in local history with them. He also enjoyed travelling to different countries.

His children Tania, James, Emma and Adam said: “Our dad will always be remembered as a thoughtful and kind man with a good sense of humour.”

Grandchildren Jasmine, Luke, Max, Jacques, Jake and Ruby say he was their hero.