THE family of a popular figure in Oswestry has paid tribute to the man described as a caring, much-loved father.

Hundreds of tributes have been paid online after Gerald Edwin Owen Smith, known affectionately by many as Gerry Hotdog, died last month.

The 85-year-old was a familiar face among pub and club-goers in the town for more than three decades, with Gerry always on hand to provide food for people from his hotdog van at the end of a night.

His son, Darran Smith, was overwhelmed by the positive messages left online in memory of his father, who he described as hard-working and much-loved.

“He was great,” Darran said. “He loved his sports and loved his shooting.

“He really enjoyed a pint of real ale and taking us all out for Sunday dinners – he used to love doing that.

“When my kids were young, we’d do that regularly.

“He was very hardworking. All his life he worked hard and saved a lot of money – he very rarely seemed to spend much.

“He always worked hard to look after our family.”

Gerry was born in Llansantffraid and became a well-known figure in Oswestry after bringing his van to town.

His famous hotdogs were appreciated so much that he remained working on his van in Oswestry for 30 years.

Darran said getting to know people in Oswestry was one of Gerry’s favourite things about what he did.

“He loved it. It was his life for a while,” he said.

“He was able to get to know a lot of people through being on the van.

“I think I saw one post on Facebook with around 350 comments, and each of them were really nice tributes to him.”

Gerry’s daughters also reflected on memories of their dad, with Gina Smith describing him as quiet, careful and capable.

She added: “He always did things himself when he could.

“He had the strength to cycle and walk all weathers, often in the dark of early winter mornings when no-one else was about.”

Julie Smith, also daughter to Gerry, added: “Looking back we shared some great experiences together. I helped him out on his beloved hotdog van during my student years.

“My dad and mum taught me to drive when I was 17.

“We wallpapered half my house together and made a good team.

“After we both retired, we enjoyed long bike rides in the Hertfordshire countryside.

“Every path or track was an adventure to be explored and we often marvelled at the beauty around us.”

Daughter Tracy Jackson added: “There’s so many more days I’d like to spend with him.

“I always enjoyed our days meeting up in Oswestry, trawling the antique shops and having numerous coffees in his favourite pubs.”