A POPULAR window cleaner with a “kind and gentle” nature has died suddenly, aged 84.

Basil Carpenter, of Rolls Park Road in Chingford, was found dead in South Chingford Library last Monday after going there to return some books.

The news came as a shock to his wife of 60 years, Pat, 81, and their children Roger and Denise, who said he was very fit and had not been unwell.

Mr Carpenter was born in Hackney in 1925, and moved to Brindwood Road in Chingford where he grew up with his two older brothers. As a child he was a Sea Cadet who went on to carry out his national service with the Royal Navy.

Following the Second World War, he started his own window cleaning business in Walthamstow, which he continued until his retirement.

In 1947, he met Pat at the Royal Forest Hotel in north Chingford, who he married in 1949.

As a self employed man, Mr Carpenter joined the Ancient Order of Foresters Friendly Society in 1955, which provided cover in case of illness, but also an active social life of functions and even holidays.

He was also one of the early members of Waltham Forest Bridge Club and was secretary for 40 years.

His daughter, Denise Bristow, said on behalf of the family: “He was a well liked man, popular with all that knew him. He was very kind and gentle and would go out of his way to help others. He was never selfish and always thinking of others.”

Mr Carpenter started his day as normal on January 11 and even swept the snow from the path in the back garden before going to run some errands in his car.

He died later that morning of a heart-related illness.

His funeral is on Monday, January 25, at Enfield Crematorium. The family have requested only family flowers, but where desired, donations can be made to “The Friendly Society Convalescent Home” in memory of Basil.