FRIENDS and family have payed tribute to a ‘true gentleman’ who was ‘liked by everyone he met.’

Paul Reay died peacefully at his home surrounded by family members on Monday, July 10 after losing his battle with cancer.

The 70-year-old, originally from Wythenshawe before moving to Bury in 1969, was most well-known for his dedication to gymnastics over the years.

Originally a telephone engineer in Manchester until he retired aged 50, Mr Reay originally become involved when he took his daughter Steph – who was five at the time – to the old Mosses gymnastics club for classes.

After separating from his wife Janice in 1979, the pair remained friends and Mr Reay was never to remarry, instead dedicated himself to gymnastics.

He began to volunteer his services before becoming a full-time coach after completing all his qualifications.

After the closure of Mosses, Bury was left without a place for gymnastics but Mr Reay was instrumental in the formation of Bury Gymnastics Club.

Steph, aged 42, said: “Dad was well-known all over the community for his dedication to gymnastics. The gym was his life.

“He coached pre-school ages all the way up to elite level and helped countless gymnasts improve and compete at a very high standard.

“He was a quiet and patient man who never shouted and was very supportive of people which was a major factor why everyone liked him.

“We will all miss him so much.”

In 2000, he got nominated for the Bury Coach of the year award for his services to gymnastics.

Keith Waddington, director at Bury Gymnastics Club, said: “Paul was involved with the club right from the start.

“He initially had wanted a gym club to be formed in Bury around 40 years ago and was instrumental in our club’s formation.

“As an individual, Paul lived for and loved gymnastics and without his involvement, the club would not exist.

“He was well known by many in the North-West and even further afield but take away all of the gymnastics, he was just a true gentleman and will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Mr Reay was a keen golfer and was an avid Manchester United fan.

He leaves behind his two daughters, Steph and Samantha, along with four grandchildren, brother Phil and ex-wife Janice who helped to nurse him in his home.

A JustGiving page has been set up with all proceeds going towards the purchase of a piece of equipment for Bury Gymnastics Club that will keep up his legacy.

The page can be found at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/paulreay-justgive

A funeral will be held on Monday, July 24 at Blackley Crematorium.