Lifelong Sittingbourne resident Luther Gorf has died just weeks after celebrating his 103rd birthday.

Born on November 10, 1911, in Tonge Road, Murston, he arrived seven years after his sister Gladys was born and was nicknamed Luke by his family.

A gifted pianist, he became an associate of the London College of Music at the age of 16 and continued to play until he was in his 90s.

In 1941, two years after the outbreak of the Second world War, he was enlisted to fight for the Royal Navy and was on the only boat which, out of a convoy of 14, that made it to Gibraltar from Glasgow.

In late 1941 he sailed to New York where he was given a six week break in the city while waiting for his ship to be repaired.

In the city of lights he indulged his love of musicals and theatre - a passion he had his entire life.

He left the Navy in 1943 and spent time in hospital in Gillingham after being diagnosed with tuberculosis in one of his kidneys.

Following the war he worked as a hospital secretary at Keycol Hospital, near Sittingbourne, until he retired in 1976.

Luther then became involved with the local arts community, becoming an avid painter and attending classes at the adult education centre.

He was also involved in amateur theatre and performed a number of plays with the Bapchild Drama Group.

Luther spent the final years of his life at Elvy Court care home, where he charmed and amused his carers Michelle and Matthew.

His former neighbour Teresa Gillie and close friend Noreen Westcott visited him frequently.

His great-niece Lesley Johnson, who organised his recent birthday party, said: “In my childhood and youth he was always an important figure, supporting me in acting in school plays and coaching me for speaking competitions.

“He took me to my first grown-up play at the Old Vic [in London] and presented me with a cheque to augment my grant when I went to teacher training college.

“He was an inspiring, talented man and we will all miss him tremendously.”

Mr Gorf died at his care home on November 20. His funeral was held at The Garden of England Crematorium on December 4, and his ashes will be buried in his parents’ grave in Sittingbourne cemetery.