A FAMILY has paid tribute to a popular Tadley man who lived in the area all his life.

Dennis Nash lost his battle with a grade four brain tumour on July 5 after being diagnosed with the cancer last September.

The father-of-three grew up in Tadley and there are now three generations of his family living in the town.

His daughter Donna Jenkins said: “The Nash family is synonymous with Tadley.”

Dennis was born on New Year’s Eve in 1947 and in 1980 he founded Nash Contract Services Ltd in the town, which carries out vegetation work for companies including Network Rail, and employs around 25 local people.

The 67-year-old grandfather of 10 was married to his wife Barbara for 46 years and the couple had three children, Donna, Philip and Joanne Saunders.

His daughter Donna Jenkins, a mother-of-two, described her father as a “strong person, both in body and mind." She added: "He was humble and honest with very high values in all things. He worked hard all his life to build up his company.

“He was full of life and a real character. He was one of those who don’t suffer fools. He knew his mind and he enjoyed everything he did.”

He was also chairman of the Ambassador Club in Tadley, and had been involved with the club for around 30 years.

Mrs Jenkins said he kept going after being diagnosed with the brain tumour, and just before his death he had returned from a holiday in Cyprus.

She added: “He was a person who enjoyed life to the full, having holidays camping and caravanning with extended family and friends, annual Butlins holidays with a large group of friends, spending time in Cyprus and going on cruises.”

Dennis had the bulk of the tumour removed last September, and fought it with the aid of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, attending Southampton General Hospital daily for six weeks.

He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family.

Donna said: “He was going to fight it until he couldn’t any more. He carried on fighting and did as much as he could until the end.”

Dennis had friends from all walks of life, and up to 400 people are expected to attend his funeral next Tuesday (July 21), at St Paul’s Church, The Green, Tadley, at 1pm and a wake at the Ambassador Club. All are welcome.

His daughter said: “He leaves us with a huge hole in our hearts and lives.”