TRIBUTES have been paid to a man hailed as "Brighton's kindest builder" by his family.

Robert Tasker, of Tasker Catchpole builders, died on Monday, January 25, through illness after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour last April.

He met his Swedish wife in The Concorde Club in 1971 and, apart from a year in Sweden, spent his entire life in Brighton, attending Patcham Fawcett and Brighton Technical College before making his mark on the building industry with his brother John.

They set up JR Tasker Contractors in 1973 and today it continues as Tasker Catchpole.

Some of Brighton and Hove's most recognisable landmarks and institutions have been maintained and developed by the company, including The Sea Life Centre and the Royal Pavilion.

The 65-year-old lived in Tongdean Lane, Brighton,

In a statement, his family said: "The variety of projects and people Robert worked with are testament to his all-round ability.

"He worked with most of the major pub and restaurant groups in remodelling and refurbishing many of Brighton's best-known pubs and restaurants, including Komedia and The Zap club."

Robert constructed many new housing projects in Brighton and Hove, winning awards from the local authority. Many projects he constructed also won regional awards from warranty providers.

His company was the chosen builder to help rebuild Lewes housing estates after the floods in 2000.

In 2013, Tasker Catchpole was recognised in the Most Considerate Company category at an awards ceremony run by the Considerate Constructors Scheme.

John Bacon, director of Tasker Catchpole, said: "Robert was the most fair and honest person I have met in the construction industry and truly cared about his staff and clients foremost."

Robert was a season ticket holder at Brighton and Hove Albion and ran The Old Brightonians Sunday Football Club for 19 years.

His family described him as Brighton's kindest builder in a statement.

They added: "Robert had a genuine interest in everyone he met and did all he could to help make lives of others easier for them.

"He was adored by all who knew him and so the funeral is expected to be very well attended."

After being cared for by staff from the Martlets Hospice in Hove, Robert leaves behind wife Margareta, daughter Jenny and son Alex.

Son Alex, 38, added: "They did a fine job above expectations with the care they provided for our dad."

Robert's funeral starts at 1pm on Friday, February 5, at Woodvale Crematorium in Brighton.

Donations should go to The Martlets, care of Mother And Daughter Funeral Directors, 20 Blatchington Road, Hove, BN3 3YN.