Chris Miller at the Riversway Festival in 2012

A pillar of Preston has passed away aged 76.

Tributes have been paid to Chris Miller who founded Preston Marina.

Born and bred in Penwortham the sailing fanatic is to be remembered by his family and friends at his funeral on Thursday.

He brought the Marina to the city in 1990 and has been involved in events in Preston for decades.

His daughter Sue Cameron, 49, who worked with her father at the Marina for 26 years, paid tribute to his work ethic.

She said: “He worked seven days a week. He was so passionate about his boats and the Marina.

“My father was a good man, that’s what everyone says. He was very selfless, very knowledgeable, very kind and was always putting others first. This sounds cliche but he was everybody’s Dad.”

Even when diagnosed with cancer Chris didn’t stop that letting him being involved.

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Sue said: “Even when he was off we joked he was never really off. He had this way of making everything fun and putting everyone at ease, no matter how difficult the situation was.

“His doctor’s were amazed by his spirit. He would never stop. He was a very proud man.”

The Marina’s future is to stay within the Miller family, with two of Chris’ children – Sue and Steven – involved in taking on the helm and his love of sailing is also being passed down to the youngest generation.

Granddaughter Mollie has inherited his sailing genes according to Sue.

She said: “He loved being out on his boat and Mollie’s definitely got that too.

“My father’s favourite place to go was the western Isles of Scotland. He never went round the world of anything like that, he was never too far from home and from my mum Val.”

Calm at Preston Marina which Chris ran for 26 years Pic: Tony Worrall

Chris’ boat Duo was sailed back into the Marina by his Steven and has now been decked out by fellow boaters at the Marina with flags and bunting to celebrate Chris’ life.

During the 2012 Guild Chris was made an honorary Burgess in tribute to the impact he’s made on the city.

Sue said: “He hated having a fuss made but I remember when he found out he would be a burgess at the Guild. He was made up. He was a very proud Prestonian. He loved his city and the people.”

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Tributes have been paid by the boating community in the city and also by other organisations he was involved with including the Space Centre and the Sea Cadets.

His friend Steve Hills said: “He was a true gentleman who saw the positive in everything.

“He will be sadly missed by all who have had the privilege of knowing him and being on the receiving end of his kindness.”

Chris’ funeral is to be held at St Mary’s Church in Penwortham on Thursday 6 October at 1pm. All who knew him are invited to attend. Any donations are being asked to be made to the Sea Cadets in his memory.

Preston Marina will be closed on the same day as the funeral as a mark of respect.

Did you know Chris? You can leave your tributes in the comments below