Goostrey bachelor John Gibson was often seen relaxing on the Bogbean bench at Main Road.

The 87-year-old, of Bank View, has died following a short illness.

His funeral was held on Tuesday at Birches Crematorium, Lach Dennis

The villager was well-known to passengers using the Goostrey to Sandbach bus service to shop in Holmes Chapel.
After attending Goostrey primary school, he joined the youth club in the old village Hall.
In his younger days, he was a milkman for many years with Blakes at Springwood Dairy, forerunner of the Blackhurst family of Goostrey-based milkmen.

Before retirement, he worked for Massey Feeds at Holmes Chapel Mill.
Resident John Williams said: “Mr Gibson was a formidable opponent as a darts player at the Crown Inn and in dominoes in the Congleton and Holmes Chapel League.

“His interest in football saw him a life-long supporter of Manchester City.”

One villager said: "John would always have a friendly greeting for people when they passed him as he sat on the Bogbean form.

“He was a true gentleman and very much part of Goostrey."

One man said: “John was very much part of the village.”

Mr Gibson leaves a sister, Winifred, brother, Ken, and sister-in-law, Teresa, who also live in Bank View, as well as three nephews.