A family has paid tribute to a “kind and happy” fisherman who lived in the same town all his life.

Co-founder of Hales and Moore Fishmongers, in Rainham, Horace Moore died at home on Friday, April 26.

Although the 90-year-old did not work in the shop, he took great joy in being out and dropping off the deliveries along with his wife Christine until a few years ago.

He first got into the trade as a 10-year-old boy when he started winkle picking with the local fisherman, George “Cully” Carter.

The keen boxer and footballer was taken on as his apprentice four years later as part of the working guild of free fishermen, Rochester Oyster and Floating Fishery (ROFF).

He began fishing with George’s nephew, Jack, from Gillingham Pier and continued until he was called up for the National Service when he was 18.

Horace, who was one of seven children, served in The Buffs, The Royal East Kent Regiment, but then returned to finish his apprenticeship.

When he was 21, Horace gained the Freedom of the River Medway allowing him to fish in the area, and worked for the Knights Shipping Company as a lighterman, first mate, skipper and leading hand.

A few years later, he became a juryman of the ROFF - a role he held for 68 years.

It was not until 1984, when Horace, Christine and his nephew Shane Hales, who started as his apprentice, opened Hales and Moore Fishmongers in Station Road.

His son Bradley Moore then joined the business and continues to run it, which Horace was “incredibly proud of”.

His daughter Anita Bushell added: “He retired from deliveries but would visit the shop most days and would take great pleasure in talking to customers and chatting about old Rainham.

“It is amazing that after his passing so many people have come into the shop to give their condolences and have said how much they enjoyed their chats with Horace both in the shop and around Rainham precinct.

“It is amazing how many people knew him.”

Horace died on Friday, April 26 surrounded by his family in his home in Maidstone Road which he and his wife Christine moved into in 1962 after they were married.

Anita added: “A familiar face to so many who was proud to be born, bred and live his whole life in Rainham.

“Dad taught us the values of being kind, happy, respectful to others and last but not least a love of dancing.

“We were so very lucky to have great memories of times shared with family and friends.

“Family was everything to him, he will be missed by so many.

“We would like to say thank you for all your kind words, memories and thoughts. We have been totally overwhelmed.”

He leaves behind his three children, Anita, Karen and Bradley, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.