The family of a former pub landlord and golf club manager who helped kick start the career of many local musicians has paid tribute to a man who ‘lived life to the full’.

Royston Crow: Andy Hoy was well-known in Royston as being manager of Royston Golf Club and landlord of The Green Man.Andy Hoy was well-known in Royston as being manager of Royston Golf Club and landlord of The Green Man. (Image: Archant)

Andy Hoy will be remembered in the town for his passion for music – which came hand-in-hand with his mobile disco and Mick Jagger impressions.

Andy, who died just under two weeks ago of heart failure at the age of 61, moved to Royston in 1986 with his first wife Pam and daughters Debs and Caroline.

Caroline said: “Dad always wanted to make things fun – if we were travelling in the car he’d make up games to play, often involving songs. He had such a varied love of music and he passed that on to us.”

Andy worked in sales and marketing before becoming landlord at The Green Man in Market Hill, which he co-ran with his second wife Karen for 12 years. Andy was step-father to Karen’s son Chris and daughter Eve.

Karen said: “We had a fabulous time managing the pub, it was so much fun. So many friendships were forged there – between both the staff and customers. He got a lot of pleasure from bringing people together like that.”

Andy also had a big impact on the social and music scene in Royston, often giving new bands a chance to play at The Green Man before he became the manager of Royston Golf Club.

Debs said: “It was a shock to us all for dad to go so suddenly, but I am comforted by the fact it was peaceful and in his last weeks he had some really good days with the people he loved.

“Dad had a wonderful summer trip to the beach with Caroline and his granddaughter Kacey, and he also spoke with great affection of the time spent with his other grandchildren, Eve’s daughters Kiera, Maddie and Esmae.

“Dad lived his life to the full. In recent years his story was made complete by reconnecting with his birth mother Margaret and five brothers Chris, Steve, Tim, Rob and Adrian.”

A celebration of Andy’s life will be held at St John the Baptist Church in Royston at 3pm on Tuesday, where friends are warmly welcomed. To make a donation to charity in Andy’s memory contact Newlings funeral directors on 01763 242375.