The daughter of a Great Yarmouth Town Football Club stalwart has paid tribute to him by remembering her father as a generous and active man who loved the outdoors.

Former Great Yarmouth Town FC chairman and life president Arthur Fisk died at home surrounded by his family on Sunday, March 5, following a five-year battle with cancer.

He was 81.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Arthur Fisk at the Wellesley Recreation Ground. Picture - NewsquestArthur Fisk at the Wellesley Recreation Ground. Picture - Newsquest (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Daughter Rachel Loveland said she will always remember her doting dad, who was "very generous with a loving nature" and always willing to help.

A dedicated Gorleston resident, Mr Fisk divided his time between his family, football and agriculture.

He was born on September 19, 1941, in Badingham, Suffolk, and spent many of his formative years as a pupil at the Farningham Home for Little Boys in Kent. 

Rachel said: "He said that changed his life living there. That was where he discovered his passion for the outdoors."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Arthur Fisk featured in the Beccles and Bungay Journal, August 1999. Picture - NewsquestArthur Fisk featured in the Beccles and Bungay Journal, August 1999. Picture - Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

For most of his life, Mr Fisk worked for Birdseye in Great Yarmouth and later Lowestoft and was a member of their potato processing association.

Both on the pitch and off, Mr Fisk spent much of his adulthood ingrained in local league football, where he served stints as Great Yarmouth Town FC's chairman, and president and was named a life president in June last year.

His daughter said: "Dad was so proud to have been named a life president for the club. His time there meant the world to him."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Arthur Fisk as GYTFC chairman with club secretary Brian Smith and the FA cup at the Wellesley. Picture - SuppliedArthur Fisk as GYTFC chairman with club secretary Brian Smith and the FA cup at the Wellesley. Picture - Supplied (Image: Supplied)

Mr Fisk was also a proud member of the 'Boycie Brigade'. Along with Bloaters stalwart Mickey Boyce and a group of more than a dozen former players from Yarmouth and Gorleston, Mr Fisk would reminisce over a monthly get-together lunch.

A keen writer, Mr Fisk also served as a match reporter for the Great Yarmouth Mercury in the 1990s.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: A match report for the Great Yarmouth Mercury written by Arthur Fisk in April 1998. Picture - NewsquestA match report for the Great Yarmouth Mercury written by Arthur Fisk in April 1998. Picture - Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Rachel said: "Dad spent a lot of time writing down memories. He would also always write letters to his granddaughter at university and grandson in America.

"He doted on my children.

"He loved to go to all their concerts at school and see what they were up to. He was always very hands-on.

"I always knew I could go to my dad. He's been a great role model. Everybody in the family looks up to him and respected his views on everything."

READ MORE: Obituary: 'One of Norfolk's greatest local footballers'

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Arthur Fisk (front)with treasured his triumph motorbike best friend Tom. Picture - SuppliedArthur Fisk (front)with treasured his triumph motorbike best friend Tom. Picture - Supplied (Image: Supplied)

In his retirement, Mr Fisk spent much of his time at his two allotments on Selwyn Road and became the chair of the Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Allotments Association.

From his fruit, flowers and even eggs, all of Mr Fisk's produce was "top class," his daughter said.

Mr Fisk also dedicated time to encourage others to get stuck in with gardening. As well as hosting horticultural sessions for Alderman Swindell pupils and members of Centre 81, Mr Fisk also served on the committee for Great Yarmouth in Bloom.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Arthur Fiske, Margaret Farrow, Joan Covington, Nolan Mills, Chris Durham, Paul Robson, Cllr Sue Hacon, Linda, Paula Jeal, The Mayor of Great Yarmouth Cllr Michael Jeal as Anglia in Bloom judges visited Great Yarmouth. July 2019. Picture - NewsquestArthur Fiske, Margaret Farrow, Joan Covington, Nolan Mills, Chris Durham, Paul Robson, Cllr Sue Hacon, Linda, Paula Jeal, The Mayor of Great Yarmouth Cllr Michael Jeal as Anglia in Bloom judges visited Great Yarmouth. July 2019. Picture - Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

But away from other commitments, Rachel said she will always remember her father's love for Christmas.

"He was obsessed with the tradition," she said. "He'd have his cards done and the presents wrapped by October.

"He had spent the last 20 Christmases at mine with the grandchildren and he just loved the festive season."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Arthur Fisk (right) with his grandson George and the FA Cup. Picture - SuppliedArthur Fisk (right) with his grandson George and the FA Cup. Picture - Supplied (Image: Supplied)

In 1966, Mr Fisk married Josephine. They celebrated their Ruby anniversary shortly before Mrs Fisk died from cancer in 2007.

Eleven years later, Mr Fisk was diagnosed with the same disease. But his daughter said Mr Fisk always remained positive throughout his final years.

"He wouldn't give in to cancer. And he never once complained about it," Rachel said.

She added the community care provided by St Elizabeth's Hopice Mr Fisk received was "first-class".

Mr Fisk leaves behind his son, daughter, six grandchildren, and his good friend Linda.

His funeral will be held at 10am on Friday, March 31, at Gorleston Crematorium.