The funeral of a popular Island landlord takes place next week.

PJ Gannon, who ran the Halfway House with wife Trudie, died, aged 71, on April 30 following a long illness.

The couple moved to Sheppey 40 years ago having run a pub together in Victoria Park, east London.

PJ, originally from Ballinrobe in County Mayo, Ireland, was known for his calm reserve.

Mrs Gannon, of Lowfield Road, Halfway, said: “PJ was a quiet person – I’m the mouthy one, but the combination worked.”

As well as a wife, PJ leaves behind son John, daughters Patricia and Sonia, three grandsons and a granddaughter.

Mrs Gannon has requested those attending the funeral to wear something blue.

“It’s not because of sadness or any football team, but in memory of his twinkling blue eyes,” she said.

Following a service at the Garden of England Crematorium in Bobbing, guests are invited to a wake at the Halfway House.

Mrs Gannon said it would be a celebration of her husband’s life – “the happy life we had on Sheppey”.

“The Island’s been good to us and will remain a special place in our hearts,” she said. “PJ will be sorely missed.”

The funeral takes place at 11am on Tuesday, at St Henry and Elizabeth Catholic Church, The Broadway, Sheerness.

The family has requested rather than flowers, donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Society via Havill Funeral Services in Sheerness.