HUNDREDS of touching tributes have been posted online following the sad news that well-known Bexhill resident Tommy Lake has died at the age of 53.
Tommy was a well-known character around the town and many have expressed their regret and sadness at his passing.
Several floral tributes and cards were left on one of his favourite benches in Bexhill with candles also being lit in his memory.
His daughter Charis spoke movingly to Bexhill News about memories of her father.
Charis, who also has brothers Paris and Nikki, said: “My dad was certainly quite a character. When I was young he looked just like a rock star with his leather trousers and his own sense of style. He believed in making a statement by being distinctive, which I thought was great.
“He had his moments, we all know that, but he always tried to be kind and polite to people. At heart, he was a very sweet man.
“I did have a sporadic relationship with him for several years but he was my dad and I loved him.
“We got back in touch about 15 years ago and he was just always so funny.”
Charis, who works as a teacher in Ticehurst, added: “In his younger days he was apparently viewed as a bit of a catch because he was extremely good-looking and a bit of a charmer.
“One of his biggest assets is he would always remember people and ask them how things were going. He had a very inquiring mind and liked to discover the good in others.
“No one denies that my dad had some issues in life but I don’t want to reflect on that.
“All three of his children were at Conquest Hospital to see him and of course it was very traumatic and emotionally distressing to see him in those circumstances.
“But now he is finally at peace and we all thankfully had the opportunity to say goodbye. He will be sadly missed by so many and that is why the tributes have been such a comfort.”
In recent times, Tommy had lived at Arden House in Cantelupe Road, having spent many years in Bexhill following a spell in Bournemouth.
He first met his ex-wife Dawn in Hastings and she was happy to share her memories of their lives together.
“Oh, he was a right charmer when we first met”, Dawn, who lives in St Leonards, recalled.
“He was very good-looking but it wasn’t just that. He was very popular and really knew how to connect with people.
“Of course I have many memories of him and have pictures of our time together in my head.
“His death certainly hit me hard but I have our two boys who are a living testament to him.
“We met in Hastings and lived in Cornwall for a while where our sons were born. We used to go on plenty of country walks together and talk about a whole host of topics.
“He found, for a while, peace in Cornwall and tried to address his mental health issues amongst tranquil days with me. He was able to concentrate on his writing and for a while was happy.”
Tommy’s funeral will be held at Hastings Crematorium on April 3 with a memorial walk planned along Sea Road in Bexhill, although details are still being finalised by his family. A wake in his memory is also being planned.
