THE former manager of Bournemouth’s Pier Theatre, Ian Goode, affectionately known as 'Mr Bournemouth', has died at the age of 66.

Ian was also manager of the Manchester Hotel for 15 years in the 80s and 90s which welcomed a number of entertainers through its doors including Claire Sweeney, Jim Davidson, Little and Large and Cannon and Ball.

Born on October 5th 1952 in Kettering, Northamptonshire, to parents Edward and Dorothy, Ian had six siblings.

He attended Rothwell Infants and Junior Church of England school and Montsaye Senior School.

Ian discovered a love for entertaining at an early age and started singing at the age of three in Rothwell WM Club. Later in life he was introduced to a stage school in London by actor Philip Lowrie, formerly of Coronation Street. He also played drums for many bands all in between and during his early entertainment career.

Before moving to Bournemouth, Ian worked as a blue coat and assistant entertainments manager at Ladbrokes Holiday Parks and entertainments manager at Fort Warden on the Isle of Wight.

He later went onto become general manager the Manchester Hotel which he once described as “a little Blackpool-type venue in Bournemouth."

Michael Barrymore did a summer season at the hotel as an unknown cabaret act while Claire Sweeney, then an up and coming singer who was becoming well known in Liverpool, came down for a summer season accompanied by her parents.

Other talents Ian met included Paul Daniels, Des O'Connor, Jim Bowen and Ed 'Stewpot' Stewart.

Ian worked with, booked and acted as agent to many celebrities and helped start hundreds of careers over years.

He played a vital part in the Daily Echo's Star Trail talent competition throughout the 90s which he compered and judged.

In 2012, he was awarded a special recognition award for his contribution to tourism in Bournemouth.

He was also a former member of the Bournemouth BID and member of the Bournemouth Chamber of Commerce.

Ian remained in the area until his death when he passed away from prostate cancer on October 31.

Paying tribute to Ian, Harry Redknapp said: "Ian was one of life’s great guys. He would help anybody who needed a hand. Never heard anybody say a bad word about Ian. He will be sorely missed by everybody who came in contact with him throughout his life. You will be missed by so many people."

Actress Claire Sweeney said: “Ian Goode you were an amazing kind man. You will be so missed."

Former children's TV presenter Chris Jarvis, Former Miss World Ann Sidney and former professional footballer Luther Blissett also paid tribute to him.

Ian’s son Ross said: “Dad was not just one of the most respected and loved people in his industry but the best husband, father and grandfather to Jessica, Mia, Louie, Darcie, Isla and Eva.

“He unselfishly raised thousands of pounds for various charities over the years including alzheimer’s, Variety and most recently over £10,000 for prostate cancer through a charity night he organised from his hospital bed.

“He gave so many people chances that others would never of given.”

He added: “We are expecting a large turnout for his funeral and welcome all that knew him to pay their respects to the amazing man he was.”

A celebration of Ian’s life will take place at Poole Crematorium on Thursday, November 15 at 1pm.

This will be followed by a reception at Key West on Bournemouth Pier with an open mic stage for anyone who would like to share a song, dance, memory or funny story.

Instead of flowers, Ian’s family is asking for donations to go towards a memorial garden for Poole Hospital's cancer ward and a memorial bench for Ian which will be placed at the end of the Pier.