TRIBUTES have poured in for a "thoroughly decent man" and a Holyhead "local legend" following the announcement of the death of John Cave.

John, who has died aged 84, was a lifetime president of the Holyhead Maritime Museum.

He was a well known figure in the community and involved with many organisations in the town.

Within moments of the maritime museum announcing his death on Facebook, hundreds of messages were posted and and friends have contacted the Chronicle to pay tribute.

The message from the museum, today (Friday), read:

"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our president and great friend John Cave MBE.

"It was his commitment and enthusiasm that established the Maritime Museum over 30 years ago.

"His contribution to the community of Holyhead is immeasurable. He will be greatly missed by all at the museum, his many friends and throughout the town. Our heartfelt condolences go to his wife, Margaret, daughter Sue and family."

Speaking to the Chronicle his closest friend John Burnell, former vice-chairman of the museum said:

"John and I were best friends, for over 21 years. We were very close, his passing is going to leave a big hole in my life. We did so much together, went on holiday, enjoyed life, we were always joking. I met him as a volunteer at the museum back in 1998.

"He loved Holyhead, he loved showcasing the town and Anglesey to people. He lived in Holyhead all his life. He knew so much about so many things, especially local history and he had lifetime love of photography. He started out as a boy taking pictures with a Box Brownie his dad gave him. He never stopped taking photographs.You never saw him without a camera in his hand.

"I am going to miss him very much. He was a lovely who would do anything for anyone. My condolence got to his daughter Susan, her husband Alan, and his wife Margaret."

In a statement sent to the Chronicle Anglesey's MP Albert Owen said:

"On the loss of a good friend - wedi colli ffrind mawr. It is with great sadness that we learn of the peaceful passing of John Cave, a dear friend and colleague.

"John, was a local legend and a thoroughly decent man. I will miss him. My love and thoughts are with his family. RIP Mr Cave MBE

"John was in Parliament only last week with a group from the maritime museum and he was taking pictures , he loved capturing memories on camera.

"I have shared some important moments with him and hosted him and his family on the Terrace of the House of Commons when he got his MBE, we spent many Christmas morning at local hospital or met for coffee.

"He had a great sense of humour and he made those who knew him laugh. John was rare community gem"

Albert Owen MP, neighbour and friend of late John Cave MBE.

Speaking to the Chronicle Sue Williams RNR Commanding Officer of the Holyhead Sea cadets, said: "He would do anything for anybody. He was a gentleman and his loss will be greatly felt in Holyhead. He is just irreplaceable.

"Holyhead has lost one of its greatest assets, he was so knowledgeable about the town, and its history and he was involved in so many things, and very well liked by many people."

The Mayor of Holyhead Keith Thomas called the Chronicle to say: "On behalf of the people of Holyhead, it's a big loss to the town.

"He was Holyhead. He loved the place and he was heavily involved with so many organisations, not just the Maritime Museum where he was president. What he didn't know about Holyhead was not worth knowing. All that knowledge will be irreplaceable. He knew so much, especially about maritime matters and local history. He will be sadly missed by a lot of people and our condolences go to his family."

Holyhead RNLI spokesperson Vicki Owens said: 

"It was with much sadness  that we learned a great friend to the station, Mr John Cave MBE had passed away.

"John was held in great regard by us all here at Holyhead RNLI, and over the years he contributed so much to the station. His photos have captured many of the events and so much history of our lifeboat station, crew and lifeboat shouts, and he was always ready and willing with his camera, taking some fantastic pictures over many years

"John himself was a lifeboat crewman in the 1960’s, and ever since then he had kept a close bond with the station and all the crews over several decades. His charm and gentle manner, and his sense of humour, endeared him to everyone he met.

"Speaking on behalf of us all, and summing John up perfectly, our coxswain Tony Price also paid tribute to John with these words:

“John was so highly thought of in the local community and was always so willing to do his bit. He was a real maritime enthusiast, and even in his later years he just wanted to be on the boat, joining in, talking to people and taking pictures. He was always so interested in the progress the younger members of crew were making, and he had such a zest for it all. That is how I’ll remember him.”

"Our crew member Martin Sampson, who runs Anglesey Divers, and knew John well, said: "This is sad news indeed. John's enthusiasm for our local maritime history was boundless. He was a diver back in the 60's when scuba diving was in its infancy and full of uncharted risks. He was on the team that located the wreck of the Missouri in Porthdafarch. That wreck has been dived by thousands of divers since then, and therefore John can also be credited with having a huge impact on tourism on Anglesey. Above all he was a very kind and decent gentleman who I will miss enormously.

"Everyone at Holyhead Lifeboat Station would like to pass our sincere condolences to all of John’s family and friends. He will be very much missed by us all."

Thank you for everything, John. Rest in peace."

On Facebook, a selection of the hundreds of comments included: Adrienne Edwards: "O my God what a shock I had reading this. Holyhead will miss this legend of a man.

"John loved this town and the town loved him, he was a true gentleman and was always happy spending time with people and taking their pictures. Rest in peace John I will miss my hugs xxxx"

Another from Alun Gruffydd said: The greatest example I have ever known of a museum volunteer. John made a significant contribution not only to the heritage of his beloved Holyhead but also to the museum community in general on Anglesey and beyond.

"A hard working, interesting, kind and much loved individual to whom I owe so much throughout my career since I first met him at St. Cybi's in 1992. A huge, huge loss."

David Hughes One of the most Genuine, Loveable, Helpful, Kind, and Compasionate Gentlemen on the planet xx xx."

Martin Sampson's post said: "This is sad news indeed. John's enthusiasm for our local maritime history was boundless. He was a diver back in the 60's when scuba diving was in it's infancy and full of uncharted risks. He was on the team that located the wreck of the Missouri in Porthdafarch.

"That wreck has been dived by thousands of divers since then and therefore John can also be credited with having a huge impact on tourism on Anglesey. He was also behind our first Diving Festival (later Maritime Festival) and was always hugely enthusiastic for our little enterprise at Anglesey Divers.

"Above all he was a very kind and decent gentleman who I will miss enormously. Sincere condolences to John's family. Rest in Peace John"

Alison Dooney added: "Such very sad news a true gentleman who done so much for Holyhead Thoughts are with his family RIP John xx

Tracy Ann Walsh posted: "Oh no, lovely man, always stopped for a chat always saw him at the carnivals taking pictures very sad my thoughts are with his family R.I.P John. Sadly missed, never forgotten, will miss my kiss on the cheek lovely man xxxxx

Ben Williams said: "It was a great pleasure to have known Mr John cave. A credit to the community and he did a lot for Holyhead.

"His legacy will live on through his pictures, old and new. He captured every moment through the ages and brought joy to holyhead through a lens. He was always talkative and spoke to everyone he came across. He will be sadly missed.

Helen Munro said: "John helped me so much when I was doing my dissertation on the history of Holyhead Port back in 2002.

"Nothing was too much trouble for him and his knowledge was boundless. I’m so sorry to hear that he’s passed away."

Ann Sperry's Facebook said: "Such very sad news John was a gentlemen such a loss-to his family and the town of Holyhead R.I.P John you will never be forgotten a very sad day for the town."