The oldest resident in Osgodby, Bill Holey, has died only days before his 100th birthday, which would have been on Friday.

The much-loved husband, stepfather and grandfather died with his family at his bedside.

He had suffered an aneurysm only hours after being admitted to York Hospital last week.

His widow, Joan, described her husband as a “big character” and said she had “lots of good memories of their life together.”

Bill was born in St Mark’s Square in New Lane and served in the RAF for five years during the Second World War.

He was stationed at Biggin Hill airfield in Kent during the London Blitz.

On returning to civilian life he went back to work as a miller at Rank’s Flour mill in Barlby Road until reaching retirement age having worked nearly half a century there.

His hobby was anything to do with engineering and he had a strong interest in model railways.

Said Joan: “He had a great engineering mind, having built and converted model trains.”

His interest in trains also attracted the attention of his two-and-a-half year old great-grandson Noah, who spent lots of time watching his great granddad working on his models, which brought them very close.

Bill’s funeral will take place at York Crematorium on Monday, February 25 at 3pm.