ON THE day of the funeral of a much respected Ryedale councillor known as "Mr Sheriff Hutton", his widow and son paid tribute to their loved one.

Jean Farnaby, widow of Councillor Alan Farnaby, and the couple's son, Richard, said Mr Farnaby was "a caring, gentle, family man."

Mrs Farnaby, 69, said: "He was a people man, really interested in people and what they were doing.

"He loved to get involved and help out, he gave 100 per cent to everything that he entered in to, he would never take it on unless he was going to do it right."

Mr and Mrs Farnaby were married for 45 years. They first met, in their home village of Sheriff Hutton when they were teenagers.

Mrs Farnaby said: "We had a lovely marriage, we enjoyed every second together. Everything that Alan was involved in I tried to get involved in as well in some way, to show an interest and give him some support."

Richard Farnaby, 36, said: "He liked a laugh and a party. He was very warm, he was always there if you needed him. I would like him to be remembered for having served Ryedale, and I'm sure he will be. He will be sadly missed, a loving husband, father and father-in-law."

Coun Farnaby died, aged 69, on Sunday after a short illness. He had served on Ryedale District Council since 1991 and was clerk to Sheriff Hutton Parish Council for almost 48 years.

He was widely known as "Mr Sheriff Hutton."

His funeral was taking place today at Sheriff Hutton Methodist Church. A service of thanksgiving will be held at the Church of St Helen and the Holy Cross, on July 12, at 2pm.

Updated: 10:34 Friday, July 04, 2003