Heart-warming tributes following sudden death well-loved lollipop man who was a 'beacon of light'

Alan Pyle, East Boldon Infants school’s crossing guard for almost 15 years, sadly passed away on Thursday, June 5, after suffering a heart attack at the age of 75.

Since the news broke, dozens of tributes have been placed outside the school gates, including flowers and hearts with messages from parents and pupils - both past and present.

The grandad-of-three, who was born in South Shields in 1944 had lived in East Boldon for 46 years, with his wife Olive, and sons Karl, now 49, and Mark, 47.

After many years as a child protection social worker, Alan took on his new role of lollipop man in his retirement in September 2005.

His son Mark has been inundated with messages on social media from those whose lives were made a little brighter by Alan.

“I had no idea the reaction I would get, it’s overwhelming,” said Mark.

“I’ve had over 740 messages, some from mums and dads whose kids are now in their 20s - he had a real lasting legacy.”

Mark, a charge nurse at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle where Alan passed away, continued: “He just seemed to have this bond with people, he had such a warm personality and it just shone through.

“He was a real beacon of light in East Boldon.”

He added: “Seeing the flowers and tributes gives us a warm glow to know that it’s all for our dad.

“We’ve been able to see him in a different light and it means so much.”

East Boldon Infants headteacher, Lisa Holt commented: “Alan was much-loved by the children in school and the whole community. He made the short trip to school a highlight with his high fives and always had a happy welcome. He will be sadly missed.

We began a small tribute at the crossing and in a short space of time messages and flowers have been placed there. This shows just how well thought of and respected he was in our community.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

How to subscribe to the print edition

It’s easy to subscribe to your local newspaper. We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of. Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.