Tributes paid to 'gentle giant' Terry Dealtry

Terry Dealtry, who was well-known in the area and a founding member of several charity fundraisers, has died aged 81.

His son, Mayor of Bridlington and East Riding of Yorkshire Councillor for Bridlington Central and Old Town, Liam Dealtry, said: “He was a gentle giant and a gentleman.”

Mr Dealtry was born in Hull and lived there until he was 16, when he joined the Royal Navy.

He served for three years aboard HMS Albion (R07), travelling across the world.

When he left, he came to Bridlington, where he met his wife, June.

“They were known as the original Terry and June,” said Coun Dealtry.

The couple had two sons, Liam and Dean, as well as four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Mr Dealtry had several different jobs including a doorman, pot-washer, dredger skipper, deep-sea diver, lifeguard and harbour master of Bridlington.

At school, he had excelled in sport and his passion was swimming. He taught many people to dive and tried to teach many of the area’s fishermen to swim.

“When we were on holiday, if there was a mud hole with a bit of water in it, he’d be in it,” said Coun Dealtry.

He detailed many of his diving exploits in a book he wrote - Trials and Tribulations of an Aquatatter.

Mr Dealtry was passionate about fundraising for charities, particularly the RNLI.

He was one of the founding members of the organising teams behind the Boxing Day It’s a Knock Out competitions and Bridlington Harbour Gala.

“He was a force to be reckoned with,” said Coun Dealtry.

“He taught us all about life - how to act, how to behave with people. He taught me everything.”

Andrew Brompton, from Bridlington Lifeboats, said: "Terry was one of those people that once met, never forgotten and I know by the response and comments by so many how respected and liked he was.

"Terry was a friend to Bridlington Lifeboats and his efforts along with his colleagues in the Bridlington and Flamborough Fisherman's Committee raised thousands of pounds for many local charities, with the two local lifeboats benefiting greatly.

"One memory that does stick in my mind was one lifeboat launch when we took him out to his coble caught out with its crew in rough seas.

"Fred Walkington, our Coxswain, got us alongside the coble and Terry jumped onboard- which was not an easy task in the conditions - and then commenced to get the boat safely back into harbour.

"Fair winds and following seas Terry."

Mr Dealtry’s funeral will take place at East Riding Crematorium in Octon on Friday, August 28 at 11.30am.

The funeral procession will pass through Bridlington and pause at Bridlington Harbour at 10.45am.