TRIBUTES have poured in for a “popular, genuine and humble” former pub landlord who who has died aged 69.

Michael 'Mick' Daniels, of Covingham, died peacefully at home on July 15 after a short battle with cancer.

The Wanborough native will be remembered for being “the life and soul of any party” as well as for his years at the helm of the Plough Inn and Carpenter’s Arms pubs.

Mick’s wife of 45 years, Sue, said he never realised quite how popular he was in the community.

She said: “He was just a lovely man in every way. Looking at the messages we’ve seen on Facebook, he would have been overwhelmed to see how much everyone loved him, he never realised.”

Daughter Emma added: “He was someone who could get on with anyone, he just had that knack — he was a complete legend.”

After their meeting at the Locarno in 1968, Mick married Sue one year later. The couple had two daughters, Emma and Lisa.

The couple worked in a succession of pubs before taking the reins at Gorse Hill’s Carpenters Arms in 1977 before their 21-year stint at the Plough Inn, Badbury.

As landlord of the two pubs, Mick became known for his love of a pint, brightly-coloured shirts and dancing on the bar to Elvis Presley and Billy Fury.

Sue said: “I remember once he got up on the bar, popped his collar up and started dancing to Elvis Presley. One of the patrons remarked that if the landlord saw him he would be thrown out. We all laughed when we told him Mick was the landlord.”

Mick’s family recalled their precious memories of the community stalwart including his This is Your Life-themed 40th birthday in 1986.

“We told him he was going to play a darts match then all of a sudden we played the This Is Your Life theme tune. He couldn’t believe that everyone had come to support him. We had mystery guests and he had such a great time.”

Daughter Lisa recalled how the family’s holidays hold treasured memories for her.

“Mum and dad were always busy but dad took us rollerskating and for swimming lessons. What I’ll keep with me is the amazing holidays and quality family time we spent together,” she said.

Mick, who won the Chiseldon Carnival with a spectacular Victory in Europe day entry, also maintained a life-long interest in charity work, contributing to worthy town causes including the North Swindon Lions, of which he was a member.

The devoted grandfather continued to be surrounded by girls in later life with the birth of his four granddaughters — Evie, Olivia, Sophie and Louise.

Lisa said Mick would always put his grandchildren first.

“If you asked him to pick his grandchildren up, he would be there in a moment’s notice. He was completely devoted to them and they loved him,”she said.

After the couple left the pub trade in 2000, Mick kept himself busy with a variety of jobs including work in a warehouse and a stewarding role at Swindon Town Football Club.

Mick’s funeral will be held at St Andrew’s Church, Wanborough on Friday at 2pm with the wake held in the Legends Lounge at the County Ground.

The family have asked for contributions to be made to Prospect Hospice via funeral director Hilliers.