Eddie Adams may have liked a gin and tonic but helping people was his biggest passion.

Next Friday family and friends will pay him tribute at Kingsdown Crematorium.

The father of two and grandfather of three died on Monday, aged 62, after a long battle with cancer.

Despite his illness Eddie, a former pub landlord, still worked tirelessly as a lecturer in licensing at Swindon College.

His daughter Sharon Meadowcroft, 33, from Greenmeadow, said: "He was an exceptional person who put himself out for anyone. He was organising courses at the college to the end."

Born in London, Eddie's first job was in the tailoring trade. This career brought him to Swindon in 1971, when he became manager of Foster Brothers clothes shop in Fleet Street.

In 1978 he was made redundant and decided to work in a different field pubs. After working behind the bar at The Clifton Hotel, in Old Town, and The White Hart, in Stratton St Mar-garet, he became the land-lord of the Fox and Hounds in Wroughton. The job lasted 10 years.

Eddie was separated from his wife, Joyce, 60, and they had two children, Sharon, now 33, and Mark, now 35.

Mark said: "Dad was an inspiration. Nothing stopped him doing what he wanted to do. His determination and caring nature was incred-ible."

He recalled an occasion when they were visiting family in Devon and Eddie fell into a stream.

Mark said: "He was soaked to the skin but still came to the pub and bought a round."

Eddie was also chairman of Swindon and District Licensed Victuallers Assoc-iation and helped set up the Swindon Alcohol For Enjoyment Group.

In 1995 he started lecturing at Swindon College and over the years taught more than 700 students.

Diana Jenks, 49, at the college, paid tribute to his outstanding commitment and amazing thirst for life.

"He still enjoyed a drink with friends. The Savoy was his favourite watering hole and he had so many friends throughout Swindon."