TRIBUTES have been paid to “Mr Rosedale” who has died peacefully at the home he was born in.

John Dent lived with his parents at Hill Cottages in Rosedale, until the age of 16 when he joined the army.

Initially based at Strensall, near York, where he was a cadet drummer, John went on to join the Green Howards, travelling the world over the next 12 years.

After leaving the army, he moved to Colchester and started work with a construction firm.

Among the projects he was involved with were the Thames Barrier and, after moving back to Yorkshire to care for his mother, the Defra offices in York.

John’s son Scott said his dad become widely involved in the local community after moving back to his family home in Rosedale.

He said: “He was known as Mr Rosedale and would do anything for anyone.

“Everyone knew and loved him.”

John had helped out on the local estate and Scott had recently bought him a plot of land for his animals, including sheep, chickens and alpacas.

He was also a key part of the annual Rosedale Show, which has to be cancelled this year due to the coronavirus.

John also helped with the village cricket and football clubs.

John died on July 2 after a short illness, aged 76.

His funeral service was held in Rosedale Abbey last Monday, attended by hundreds of local people and others in the shooting and hunting world who socially distanced outside the church.

Online tributes described John as a “great gentleman” and “a lovely man, who was always happy, laughing and dancing, and will be sadly missed”.

Others said he was a “great chap and a true Green Howard”.

Scott said: “Dad never had a bad word to say against anyone. He loved being out and about whatever the weather.

“It is hard to imagine we won’t see him out and about in the village.

“Dad was a big part of the local community and a one off - he will be greatly missed.”

John leaves two sons, Scott and Darran, two grandchildren and partner Lorries.