The last photo taken of postman Mick Garner, left, with his wife Helen and son John at a family wedding

The family of well-loved Margate postman Mick Garner were devastated when he died in May after a collision with a lorry as he cycled to work.

Although their grief was overwhelming, they drew much comfort from the kind words and cards from a shocked community.

Now, Mick’s son John, and wife Helen, would like to thank all those who showed them such love and kindness in their loss, and pay tribute to the man they describe as 'the best husband, father and postman anyone could ask for'.

"My dad had cycled the same route to work for more than three decades, but early one morning in May everything changed.

"The collision with a lorry along Margate seafront was just too much for him to take, and despite a brave fight, he passed away shortly after in hospital," said son John, 25.

"The tragic death was a shock to the entire community. A postman since 1977, dad was well known and respected by all who knew him. His delivery covered various parts of Cliftonville, and he had been on this round for many years -- stretching right back to when his parents lived in St Michael's Avenue.

"He really enjoyed his job and his personal touch was valued by so many. He was always willing to help people; nothing was too big an ask. As well as being highly respected and loved by his customers, his colleagues at work also adored him. The loss of his character and unique sense of humour is a void that will never be filled in the sorting office in Addington Road.

"A massive Chelsea fan, dad was born in 1948 in West Sussex, and spent his early days in Colliers Wood in London, before moving to Margate when he was 11. His parents set up a guest house and he would help out where he could.

"He spent a year at Garlinge Junior School and went on to Hartsdown Secondary School. His early employment was spent selling papers at the Lido in Margate, and he later worked for the Co-op in London. He got a job in Margate as a postman in 1977, and made that his career for the rest of his life.

"The same year he met my mum Helen, when she was on holiday from Scotland at his parents' guest house in Westbrook Avenue. Two years later they were married, and in 1984 I was born, to dad's massive pride.

"Mum and I were devastated by dad's untimely death. Known at work and in the community as Mick, but as Mike in the family, he was so proud of his family, and the many happy years we spent together are a small comfort at such a tragic time. We'd like to thank everyone who has been a tremendous support through this sad period."

John's mum Helen, 55, said: "We cannot describe how much we have appreciated all the beautiful cards with such loving words about Mike. The collections made on his round have been extraordinary and we must thank all the residents.

"We'd also like to thank the many kind people who contributed to the collection in the callers' office at Royal Mail -- some of them didn't even know Mike personally."

Son John, 25, said: "Dad's work colleagues also made a collection and for that we are so thankful. My sincere thanks go to: Alan, Budgie, Dave, Graham and Peter for carrying Dad into the service, and helping me to send him on his next journey; to Dennis for conducting such a beautiful service; to Gore Brothers for their kindness; and to our family in Scotland who travelled such a long way to be at the service.

"Finally, thanks to everyone who came to the funeral to make it such a celebration of his life -- the attendance was out of this world, and showed just how loved and admired he was. You couldn't wish to meet a more genuine, caring and down to earth guy.

"As I said in my eulogy at the funeral, he is the man I will forever look up to, and everything I do now will be for him."