The date of the funeral has been announced for a well-known Burnham-On-Sea pensioner who died last week after many years of charity fundraising.
Tributes have poured in for Arthur Gilbert, who received an MBE for his charity fundraising and was named the world’s oldest triathlete four years ago. He passed away last week at the age of 94.
Arthur’s family say his funeral will be held on November 10th at 11am at St Andrew’s Church in Burnham-On-Sea.
His family say the dress code will be “no black – keep it colourful.” There will be a private burial following the service. Flowers are family only. Donations can be made out to Burnham Funeral Services with cheques marked on the back, Arthur Gilbert. Proceeds will go to the British Heart Foundation and Musgrove Leukaemic Group Somerset. There will be a reception at the Red Cow Inn in Brent Knoll following the funeral.
Tributes have been paid to him from friends, family and supporters across the Burnham area.
Burnham’s Mayor Michael Clarke told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “What a sad loss of a truly inspirational man. To have achieved so much especially in later life is a wonderful guide for us all.”
Arthur’s grandaughter, Natalie, said: “I have lost one of the most important men in my life, after a long and difficult week… he was a true inspiration and my hero. He will be missed by everyone but led an incredible life and we are extremely proud to have known him. Thank you to everyone for their support.”
Arthur completed his last triathlon in Burnham in 2013 and was named the world’s oldest tiathlete in 2011. Back in 2008, we reported how Prince Charles presented Arthur Gilbert with an MBE in the New Year’s Honours.
Arthur first got into sport in the 1970s when he began cycling to work each day between Burnham and Weston, and took on triathlons for charities including the British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research.
