TRIBUTES have been made to a Portishead resident who has died just 37 days before his 100th birthday.

North Somerset Times: Mildred and George CosnettMildred and George Cosnett (Image: supplied)

George Cosnett, a former postman and keen gardener, died on May 30 at Haven Lodge Nursing Home.

Leaving school at 14, George worked in a chemist before joining the Post Office.

During the war he was stationed in Burma, a member of the forgotten army and following the war he resumed his Post Office career, working in Bristol where he met his wife-to-be, Mildred. They married in 1952 and had one son, Simon in 1955. The family moved to Portishead in the late 1950s.

Forced to retire from the Post Office aged 60, George took up the position of groundsman at Clevedon School for several years.

Simon said: “For most of his life he was a fit man and remained fiercely independent until two years ago when, at the age of 98, an illness resulted in him moving into the nursing home, where he was looked after brilliantly.

“He had many friends and was involved in numerous community groups.”

George was a founder member of the Dock Club, a competing member of Portishead Bowls Club well into his 90s and a member of the Gordano Footpath Group, with whom he celebrated his 90th birthday with a short walk.

In 2011, George became the first honorary life member of Portishead Allotment Association, commended for his immaculate allotment, which he tended in Lower Down Road for more than 45 years.

Until 2011 George was also an active member of the Royal British Legion helping with the Poppy Appeal and a member of Portishead Methodist Church.

Simon added: “My father made a lot of friends, especially when he worked behind the counter at the post office in the High Street. He will be sadly missed, especially by myself, my wife Tina and his grandson Dan.”

Funeral arrangements have yet to be confirmed but are being handled by F H Halliday and Son in Portishead High Street.