Popular caterer Bervin Ernest Pitt has been remembered as a loyal and humble “giant of man” by his grieving family.

Mr Pitt passed away suddenly at his home at the end of last month at the age of 62.

His girlfriend Cynthia Minors told The Royal Gazette that Mr Pitt was a “wonderful” man.

“We first got to know each other back in the days of the Pembroke Youth Centre when Sammy Wilson was in charge.

“We had known each other pretty much all our life, but we only became a couple nine years ago.

“We had made plans to marry in 2016 before his sudden death.”

His stepdaughter Belinda Cameron added: “He was a very giving man. He would never say ‘no’ and always found time for everyone.

“He was very dear to me and I will always remember the times we had together. I always enjoyed working with him at weddings and parties.

“Cooking was his real passion, and he took great pleasure knowing that he had done something well and made someone happy.

“He was also a family man and he loved to spend time with his five grandchildren.”

Mr Pitt was born in February 1953 and grew up in the Roberts Avenue area of Devonshire before his family moved to Hermitage Road where he acquired the nickname “Booie”.

He was a familiar face growing up at Devonshire Recreation Club where he played cricket and football.

Mr Pitt initially worked in construction before embarking on a career in the food industry. He worked at Puffy’s Bakery on Dundonald Street before he and his friend Butch Ratteray took over the establishment and renamed it the Elliott Street Deli.

Mr Pitt went on to set up his own catering business that was called “First Class”.

Ms Minors added: “Bervin was an extremely caring, loving and supportive person.

“He was extremely good to me and was always there when I needed him.”

His daughter, Mardell Simons, said: “Bervin loved to cook and he followed that passion.

“First Class was such a fitting name. Bervin was a perfectionist and it always showed.

“He was meticulous, creative and committed to any job he was hired to do.

“Most of all, he was an extremely loving and caring person. His mother, Adelaide, was extremely important to him and he cared for her until she passed away earlier this year.

“Bervin was a giant of a man, he was humble, jovial and loved by many.”