Friends and family will gather on Friday to remember the life of Michael Eustice, who had been Coverack’s oldest resident before his death aged 90.

His funeral will take place at St Peter’s Church in the village at 2pm, where mourners will remember a man who was by turn a mechanic, Royal Marine, lifeboatman, postman and school caretaker.

Michael was born to Emily and Horace Eustice on March 29, 1927 at Carnsullen Bungalow, Coverack and attended school in the village.

After leaving education he began learning his trade as a mechanic at the Mill Garage with Percy Roberts, before being called up to the Royal Marines during the Second World War, stationed in Kent.

He met his future wife when he and his cousin Eric went on a successful double date with Betty and her twin sister Dolly – both couples eventually marrying.

After living at Sunny Corner Michael and Betty moved to North Corner, where they lived for the rest of their lives together.

In the 1950s the chance arose for him to join the RNLI as a travelling mechanic and in 1954 he was appointed to a full time role, with the arrival of a brand new lifeboat in Coverack, The William Taylor of Oldham. He remained with the RNLI until the lifeboat was withdrawn in 1972.

Michael went on to become the village postman, much to the delight of the village dogs who knew he always had a pocket full of biscuits. During the afternoons he continued to maintain the engines of Coverack boats and those of the surrounding areas.

He also joined Betty as caretaker at Coverack School, where they stayed for many years.

Over the course of his life in Coverack Michael took part in a wide variety of village activities and organisations, including the cricket club, carnival and regatta, and he was a founding member of the Christmas lights.

Upon retirement he took pleasure in his garden – and claimed to have a rare understanding with the village seagulls, telling how once he slipped over and covered himself in food, but he raised his finger and told the birds to wait until he was back on his feet, which they did.

His family said: “We as a family will miss Mike very much as, we are sure, Coverack village will miss their oldest resident and friend.”