TRIBUTES have been paid to Gerry Williams, former owner of the Ring Coffee Bar in Cavendish Square, who has died after a short illness, at the age of 86.

Born in Charlton, Greenwich, Gerry moved to Swindon in the 1950s when he married Jean and had three sons; Philip, Michael and David.

Gerry, who died on Thursday, managed the off-licence at the Bulldog Pub in the early 1960s before opening the Ring Coffee Bar in 1964 at the newly opened Cavendish Square shopping precinct, known affectionately to his regulars as the Ring Café.

His family said: “It became the social hub of the area and was a place where customers dropped-in to have a friendly chat over their favourite beverage.

“Meals were so popular that it was awarded a best breakfast in town award for its full English.

“Gerry played a pivotal role in bringing the local communities of Park North and South together and was involved in numerous groups in the area.

“During his 43 years in the café, Gerry was so popular that different generations of the same family would pop in. He could make anyone feel at ease. He had a great sense of humour and always amused customers with his quirky coin tricks.

“Gerry and his daughter-in-law Florence became known as the entertainers of the café, organising Christmas parties for everyone. In fact, with her help, they raised more than £10,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

“He even repaired the broken Christmas tree in the middle of the square as he knew how important it was to the community.

“Florence remembers him as a real legend.”

Gerry also played a major role in the regeneration programme of the square.

When he finally closed the café doors in 2007 at the age of 79, he is quoted as saying that working at the café and being part of the community ‘was the best time of my life’.

As well as striking a tall, upright figure on the golf course and enjoying horseracing, Gerry’s other great passion was Swindon Town FC.

Often he would shut the café to support his team at matches. He was a season ticket holder for more than 50 years.

His family said: “Gerry lived life to the full. A real gentleman, he was known for his great patience, generosity, dry sense of humour and was much loved by all.

“He will be sorely missed by his partner Marion, his family and his friends.”

His funeral will take place at 2.15pm on October 9 at Kingsdown Crematorium, with donations to Macmillan Cancer Support care of Hillier Funeral Service, 170 Victoria Road, Swindon.