THE funeral of a hugely popular man who served more than 40 years on Wirral lifeboats takes place today.

Reginald 'Tank' Whiteley, was a member of Hoylake Lifeboat crew for 41 years and West Kirby Lifeboat for five years.

From 2007-08 he was the face of a fundraising appeal that helped build Hoylake's new station.

He will be sadly missed by all who knew and went to sea with him.

The father of one and grandfather of three died, aged 82, last week following a heart attack.

His funeral will take place at St. Hildeburgh's Church in Stanley Road, Hoylake, at 2pm.

‘Tank’ served the RNLI for a total of 55 years, after which he still came down to the station for the lifeboat's exercises and shouts to ensure that the crew had a cup of tea or hot soup waiting for them on their return.

He was described by Hoylake Lifeboat Operations manager John Curry as “a man of many talents; a mammoth of a man.”

Born in Hoylake in July 1933, ‘Tank’ was educated at Calday Grammar School, where he developed a passion for rugby. He went on to play for Caldy and Hoylake clubs.

Son David and grandchildren James, Dan and Ros were also educated at Calday.

He was a despatch rider for the Royal Engineers during National Service from 1951 to 1953. Afterwards, he completed his apprenticeship at Kingsway Motors in Hoylake.

A keen motor racer, he took part in two Paris to Daqar rallies.

John Curry referred to a tribute from Hoylake rugby club, which described ‘Tank’ as ‘hard-playing, straight-talking and hard-drinking.

“He defined an era in the development of Hoylake Rugby Club.”

He with as a shore helper from 1990 to 98 and as Deputy Launching Authority until his retirement in September 2003.

Paying tribute on Facebook, his Hoylake Lifeboat colleagues said: “He will be sadly missed by all who knew and went to sea with him.”