A man who lived for his pigeons

Bob released his prized birds into their new home for the first time on December 10. Two days later, he was found at his Michigan House home. He was around 67 when he died.

A small pile of wood still lies in the spot where the first loft used to be, a plot which the housing association hopes to convert into allotments. The smaller loft is quiet; the door slightly ajar.

Newcastle-born Bob was a well-known figure in Thermopylae Gate. Neighbours spoke of a man who was "like a brother" to many in the houses backing onto the lofts, doing odd jobs and chatting over sandwiches and a cup of tea.

Lil Manley, who had known Bob for 14 years, said: "If there was something he could do for you, he'd do it. He was very helpful and kind.

"He would come down at 9am to be with his pigeons and stayed all day. He put up my shed, and made me a cupboard as well.

"He was a perfectionist. He could look at something and tell immediately that it wasn't straight."

Vinnie and Kathleen Sammons also agreed that "you couldn't ask for a better friend than Bob".

Kathleen said: "He helped me out a great deal, and he never took a penny for it. I met Bob to give him his Christmas present just a couple of days before I found out he was dead."

Vinnie added: "I still keep expecting to see his car outside the window. He was a good, funny man."

Bob was a member of the Millwall Pigeon Club, and had won coveted trophies such as the London North Road Federation Gold Cup during his racing career.

Former secretary John Purton remembers a "respectable and trustworthy man".

He said: "There were 24 races a year, and if I missed a race it would be the end of the world. But Bob wasn't like that. I think he just enjoyed pigeon racing, and if he won something, it was a bonus."

Current club secretary Clifford Chipperfield knocked on Bob's door on December 12, and immediately knew something was wrong. He called police, who found Bob in his bed.

The coroner told Clifford that Bob had died of a blood clot, which he believes was caused when a piece of trellis work from the pigeon loft Bob was building struck him on the back of the head.

He said: "He had a headache for a few days after that, but had thought nothing of it. At least he got to let his birds out in the new shed, even for a day or two.

"I knew him for about 25 years, and never heard anyone say a bad word about him. A couple of club members have said they are going to finish this year, so I'd like to continue the club for a year in memory of Bob and then we'll go to other clubs, although we'll carry on if more people want to join.

"The majority of his pigeons have now been given new homes. Bob used to pay a lot of money for pigeons, and then give 90 per cent of them away."

Clifford is currently waiting for the search for relatives to be completed. Then the body can be released and Island residents can say goodbye to their long-time friend.

He said: "He was an old friend of mine and I just want to see him buried properly. I'd imagine there's going to be a good turnout."