Tributes have been paid to a well-known Deal bin man who was hardly ever seen without his beloved pet Jack Russell.

Robert Wand, 63, of College Road, died suddenly on Wednesday, January 20 after he collapsed near his home.

He has been described by his friends as man with old school values, who loved his job and lived for his dog, Lucy.

His neighbour of 12 years, Mark Dadd, 52, said: “He was a brilliant neighbour. You couldn’t want to know a nicer person really.

“He had old school values. He still had his milk and papers delivered.

“He always had a smile on his face and was well-liked by everyone.”

Mr Wand was the only child born to Cyril, a Royal Marine, and Ruby Wand. He began his working life as a painter for Deal Borough Council before he became a bin man on the dust carts.

His role under contractors Veolia Environmental Service changed in later years when he would empty the public litter bins from the north end of Deal to Walmer Castle, often with Lucy by his side.

He had been forced to take some time off since the end of last summer due to a hernia and arthritis in his hand.

His neighbour of 13 years Abi Cork, 39, said: “That was the first time I’ve known him to have a day off work.

“He was a grafter. He used to work seven days a week, bank holidays and Christmas. I don’t think he ever wanted to retire.

“On a rare day off, he used to go fishing.

“He also lived for his dog. He was very friendly and will be sorely missed.”

Gregory Childs, 61, of Albert Road, met Mr Wand when they both worked together more than 30 years ago. They become great friends and Mr Childs would accompany Mr Wand to his hospital appointments and help him with his shopping due to his arthritis.

He said: “We became friends at Barwicks in Dover and then we found out that we both liked fishing, so we starting going fishing together.”

Mr Wand also owned a black Austin Cambridge A60 and would take pride in polishing it and driving it along the seafront.

Friend Pat Wilson, of Griffin Street, said: “Robert was a delightful man. Conscientious, hard working and rarely seen without his little dog Lucy. They were a regular feature of Deal life. He brightened many people’s day.”

His cousin Frank Wright said Mr Wand’s dog Lucy and cat Suzie have been re-homed together, as he wished.

KentOnline was unable to obtain a photograph of Mr Wand. His funeral is to be arranged.