TRIBUTES have been paid to a hard-working Christchurch business owner with a heart of gold who raised vital funds for a cancer charity.

Robert Andrew Rickman passed away on April 24th at the age of 55, leaving behind his wife Wendy, two daughters Emily and Georgia and hundreds of friends.

Born in New Milton, Robert lived in Barton-on-Sea and set up Precise Sheetmetal Engineering in Christchurch, into which he put his heart and soul.

Wendy and Robert couple married in 1989 and eventually bought a house in Devon, to where Robert hoped to retire. 

Emily said: “My dad was the most generous, kind and considerate human being you could ever meet. He always put everybody else before himself and he will be remembered for his sense of humour. He would always be able to give advice and help anyone out of any kind of situation.

“For the last 20 years or so, Robert put his all into running his business. He gave everything he could to his closest family and friends, and made sure that nobody went without.”

Robert enjoyed fishing and raised money for the Pink Champagne Breast Cancer Survivor Charity.

A small funeral was held on May 15th, 2020 because of funeral restrictions.