Mourning death of Shrewsbury milkman Ernie
Ernie Tisdale was a familiar sight on the streets of Shrewsbury, delivering milk across the town for more then 40 years.
He started out making deliveries by horse and cart at 15 and became a local celebrity in 1971 when Benny Hill recorded Ernie the Milkman, which hit number one in the charts.
And although the song was not written about him, customers on his round used to hand him copies of the record and sing as he passed on his milk float.
Now tributes have been paid to Mr Tisdale after he passed away aged 83.
The great-grandfather from Castlefields was well known throughout the town for both his milk round and later as a breeder of budgies.
His son, Allan described his father as a "typical milkman" who dedicated his life to delivering essentials all over town.
Mr Tisdale said: "It was his whole life, from the moment he started delivering bread in Monkmoor aged 15.
"He went by horse and cart before he did his national service, and when he came back he started delivering milk on the float.
"He had a triangle in Shrewsbury that was very much his patch and he was always happy to help you out was my dad.
"He didn't just turn up with your milk then leave, he'd have a chat with you and if you needed help he'd come round and mow your lawn.
"My dad would do anything for anyone, that's just how he was and so many people knew him."
Mr Tisdale added: "Everyone said Ernie The Milkman was about my dad. They used to sing it as he came on his rounds and so many people gave him the record."
Ernie delivered his last round in 1995, and turned to the other passion in his life - budgies.
He was passionate about breeding birds and people often turned to Ernie for advice.
Mr Tisdale said: "He would take in budgies if people couldn't look after them and he was always giving advice to people on how best to care for birds.
"He was incredibly popular with so many people, and Ernie the Milkman was the last song we played at his funeral."
Tributes paid to Ernie on Facebook by former customers and friends described him as a "true gentleman" and a "truly lovely man."
Ernie is survived by his two sons, Allan and Neil, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
