FAMILY and friends have been paying tribute to Eric Thurston, former chairman of the Cheshire Wildlife Trust, who has died, aged 82.

Eric touched the lives of people of all ages with his enormous enthusiasm and love of the environment.

School children sat enthralled as he gave assemblies on wild flowers and birds.

And when he became ill they sent him cards telling him how much they enjoyed listening to him.

He gave illustrated talks and lectures on a number of subjects and was comfortable with everyone from school children and university students to WIs and Rotarians. It was only last year that Eric, of Chester Road in Hartford, retired as chairman of the Cheshire Wildlife Trust, a post he held for some 30 years after starting as a founder member.

Nancy Benson, of the trust, said: "He did more than anyone else for the the environment in his lifetime. It's like losing a member of the family. I'm very sad."

Eric was honoured in his lifetime with the Paul Harris Rotary Club award for services to the community, which is one of the organisation's top awards.

He leaves a widow Margery, four children, 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Margery said: "He infused young people with a love and respect for wildlife. He was a very happy, contented person who loved his family. He was so happy that he was able to cuddle his newly born first great grandchild Rosie."

There was a private cremation for family only. This was followed by a service of thanksgiving for everyone at Hartford Methodist Church.

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