A HIGHLY regarded Teignmouth pub landlord is to make one last journey through the community he served for many years.

Andy Cope was landlord of the King Billy, as it was known locally, or the King William IV, for the past seven years.

His wife, Fiona, said the family had been shaken by his death at only 53, but they had been  greatly comforted by the many wonderful tributes paid to him locally.

‘It’s been a really pleasant surprise to receive all the tributes that people have paid to Andy and how well thought of he was as a pub landlord.

‘You would have thought he was born to the job as he was a natural and very much the front man for the King Billy.’

In the past Andy had worked in banking at home, Hong Kong and Japan.

His life-long love of Shaldon brought them back to the area where his parents were living.

Andy and Fiona decided to take on the King Billy and had enjoyed being part of the local community.

A tribute page has been set up dedicated to his memory as a ‘much loved husband, father and friend who will be remembered with love  by all that knew him.’

The funeral service for Andy will take place at St Peter’s Church, Shaldon, on Wednesday, December 14, at 2.30pm.

The hearse and limousine will set off at 2pm and then proceed through Shaldon village towards the Ness Hotel before travelling across the bridge to Teignmouth, along Bitton Park Road,  passing the Blue Anchor pub to Quay Road, Northumberland Place onto Den Crescent, Den Road, Wellington Street and Courtenay Place before going up Dawlish Street to join Exeter Road and onwards to St Peter’s Church.  

Any mourners not able to attend the church service are welcome to pay their respects along this route. 

Fiona urged people not to wear black, adding, ‘instead dress how you would for a day at the races, but most of all be comfortable.

‘Andy loved the races and he also loved angling at sea and more recently fly fishing.’

They ask for family flowers only please with donations in memory of Andy going to the great work of RNLI Teignmouth Branch and Rowcroft Hospice by retiring collection at the service or via the links on his tribute Facebook page.  

Cheques made payable to the charities may also be sent to Caz Denning, Funeral Director at JH Way Funeral Service Teignmouth.

Among the many tributes on the fundraising page are: 

‘So sorry to hear this news. Fond memories of our many times drinking at the Blue Ball, holidays in Swanage and many other adventures. My condolences to his family. We shall raise a glass in his honour from NZ.’

‘Andy, you were a great friend and colleague. You will be missed but live on in our memories!’

‘Rest In Peace Andy. Such a great character and lovely guy, we are so honoured to have spent our Daiwa years with you! Much love.’

‘Unbelievable that you’re gone. You were a lovely man and a great boss to me and so understanding when I was unable to work. It’s always the best that are taken too soon. You will be sadly missed and The Billy will never be the same. Rest easy Andy. Much love x’

‘Going to miss getting to Devon and heading straight to your pub from dad’s house! Thank you for all the giggles troy and I loved visiting’

You can contribute to the fund for the RNLI and Rowcroft hospice, which on Tuesday stood at £870, by visiting: 

https://andycope.muchloved.com/?fbclid=IwAR3E6ArhuFBhN-Gkqr_uTjz9lFGpIOgEGzu7fL7d3up4sQujURA4gsWZ2jU