THE people of a Lake District town have bid farewell to a devoted family man who was passionate about keeping local traditions alive.

Father-of-three Gerrard Meneaud, 65, has been described as an 'Ambleside legend' for his contributions to the town's centuries-old rushbearing ceremony, summer sports, rugby team and athletics club.

"To see St Mary's Church so full on the day of his funeral showed in what high esteem he was held by so many and also gave the family a great deal of comfort." said Mr Meneaud's daughter Carolyn Meschino. "He led an interesting and varied life and had an influence on many, but to us he was a family man; devoted and loyal to us always. He was the true head of our family and our loss is profound."

The retired service engineer died peacefully at home on December 21 and his funeral took place on January 3. He and his wife Christina have three daughters - Nathalie, Carolyn and Alexandra - and seven grandchildren.

Mr Meneaud was born on August 4, 1951, at Helme Chase, Kendal. He and his younger sister Trudi were raised single-handedly by their mother, Jean, whose family - the Alexanders - go back many generations in Ambleside.

He attended Ambleside Primary School, then Kelsick Grammar School, and was involved in that school's reunion every year.

After working in quarries, mainly Kirkstone and Elterwater, he embarked on a career in the North Sea oil industry and his job later took him all over the world.

Retirement saw him working happily at Windermere St Anne's School in maintenance and gardening, only stopping work last August due to ill health.

The Meneaud family spent a decade in the North East from the mid-70s to mid-80s, but it was always Mr Meneaud's wish to return to Ambleside.

He carried the World in Ambleside's rushbearing procession, and was involved with Ambleside Sports for many years, helping with preparations, the day itself and the clear-up, and later joining the committee.

He played rugby well into his 50s, captaining the Ambleside team in 1974/75, and was a keen fell runner, racing occasionally in his 30s and 40s and more seriously in his 50s and 60s. His final race was at Black Combe last March, where he ran as a member of Ambleside AC in an English championship event.

Mr Meneaud regularly followed Coniston Foxhounds and was involved with hound trailing, laying the trail at several locations including Ambleside Sports, Ings Sheep Dog Trials and the Kirkstone meet.

An avid reader, he pursued many interests, including local geology, and he volunteered for Citizens Advice for two years.

Mr Meneaud leaves his wife, three daughters and grandchildren Martha, Marlene, Giselle, Fabienne, Leo, Lucas and Carmen.