HE was the well-known and highly regarded owner of Calmore Post Office and General Stores between 1986 and 2004.

Eric Clifton, known as Ricky, was also a huge fan of rugby and Tottonians Rugby Club in particular had a special place in his heart. He continued to travel to see them in action even after leaving Calmore for Surrey and always followed their results. The club tours he went on made him feel young again and he had many happy memories of them, his family said.

Mr C, as he was known to his paper boys, often led them to success in an annual five a side tournament for the newspaper federation Solent News, of which he was president.

Ricky leaves his wife Rita, daughters Ruth and Elizabeth and four grandchildren.

He died peacefully at home surrounded by his family last month following long term health complications. He was 79.

He was a caring, kind, patient and generous man, a fantastic listener who was well liked within the community he and his wife served for so long. The Daily Echo was a big part of his life and he often delivered it himself when a paper boy wasn't able to do their round. Ricky and Rita retired from the post office and shop in 2004 and left the area in 2007, but kept in touch with friends and, of course, Tottonians fixtures while his health allowed.

Ricky will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father and gramps and a great friend to his sons in law.