Kidderminster family pays tribute to father who 'loved life' (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Kidderminster family pays tribute to father who 'loved life'

7:30am Friday 2nd November 2012 in Local By William Tomaney

A KIDDERMINSTER man has died from breathing problems just three months after his son was killed in a road accident.

Mel Golding, 62, who lived above the Old Peacock Inn, Blackwell Street, died on Sunday, October 21, at Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester.

In July, his son and the pub’s former landlord David, 31, died after being hit by a car while walking on the A456 Bewdley bypass.

Son Dean Golding said his father “loved life” and his family was “shocked and upset” by the death.

“He liked everything,” added Dean. “He did lots with his grandkids [Jay and Bonnie], he liked theme parks, holidays, he had been most places around the world. He supported Wolves, liked socialising, his mates, Elvis Presley and country and western music.

“He did not let much get to him.

He was heartbroken after David’s death but he picked himself up and got on with it.

“He was a community man – everybody in the three towns [Kidderminster, Bewdley and Stourport] knows him and he would help anyone out with anything.”

Dean said he hoped to take on the running of the Peacock “in honour” of his father and brother.

He added: “[Mel] basically ran the place. We have been here for 20 years now and everybody has grown up with him.

“He was the brains and the wheels of this place. He loved life and he loved this pub.

“I would like to thank all the local community and everybody who comes into the pub for how kind they have been and their respects.

“He will be sadly missed by me and [his daughter] Debbie, Jay and Bonnie and all the family.”

Funeral plans have yet to be arranged. An inquest into David’s death is due to be heard on Friday, November 9, at Worcestershire Coroner’s Court in Stourport.