A Dover man who spent 35 years as a probation officer and dedicated much of his time to people and his Christian faith, has been remembered by friends and family.

Neville King died, aged 98, on December 18 at the Laureston House residential home, after what his daughter Felicity Newsam, 65, described was a “good life.”

Mr King left behind his daughter and two granddaughters. His wife Daphney died in 2002.

It is thought that a hip fracture had contributed to his deterioration in recent months, but Mrs Newsam said her father died of old age.

She said: “He was coming to the end of a good life. It was in 2006 that he began to suffer from other health problems, he did very well.”

Mr King had a long career in the probation service, starting in 1946, with his first post in Darlington.

He moved his family to Dover in 1968 after previously also living in north London. He was passionate about the job and enjoyed helping people out. When it came to retiring in 1981, Mr King said: “Although I am retiring I don’t want to completely detach myself from this type of work.”

He said that even after 35 years that positive enthusiasm was still “oozing” from him.

Speaking of her father’s career, Mrs Newsam said: “There was a lot of evening work, even as a child I can remember him taking people under his wing.

'If there was someone homeless he would always talk to them and give them his time and make them feel that someone was interested.' - Daughter, Felicity Newsam

“If there was someone homeless he would always talk to them and give them his time and make them feel that someone was interested.”

In the 1980s, Mr King was part of the St Alphege Trust which found temporary shelter for the homeless.

Until the age of 92, Mr King was an active part of the Dover community and was well known for his involvement with St Mary’s Church in Castle Street.

He stood in the Christian council, was a part of Dover Christians Together group and got stuck into painting. He was a member of the Dover Art and Choral Group, taking part in many evening classes.

Mrs Newsam added: “He loved people, he was a real people person. He enjoyed singing in the choral society and did that for more than 20 years and basically anything connected with the church.

“He was a very loving dad and grandad and he absolutely adored my mother.”