CHUDLEIGH Knighton's Len Fouracre, whose remarkable display of Christmas lights raised thousands of pounds for the Devon Air Ambulance, died on Tuesday in Newton Abbot Hospital, aged 71.
Known locally as Mr Christmas, he put a smile on the faces of countless youngsters who were brought from miles around to gaze in wonder at the display in the garden of his Candy's Cottages home.
The retired lorry driver – local firm W L Vallance was among the hauliers he worked for – began the big displays six years ago, and on one occasion won the Glitterland trophy for the best residential festive lights.
His widow Beryl said that he started off with a couple of strands of lights and it just grew.
Mr Fouracre began setting up the equipment at the beginning of November for a December 1 switch on, and dressed up as Father Christmas on a couple of nights.
A real character in the village, where he had resided for 47 years, he used to have fun and joke with everyone, particularly teenagers.
And when he was not setting up the Christmas lights, the rest of the year he devoted to tending the wonderful show of flowers in his garden.
His son, Brian, said three years ago his dad had a successful quadruple heart bypass in Derriford Hospital, but unfortunately it was cancer that had claimed his life.
'I would estimate that he raised some £3,000-£4,000 for the Devon Air Ambulance and he also spent a fortune on sweets for the children, never taking a penny out of it,' said Brian.
The outstanding Christmas lighting display will be sorely missed.
Mr Fouracre leaves a widow, Beryl, son Brian, daughter Sandra, four grandchildren and one great grandchild.