The sudden death of a hugely respected farmer who gave so much to his local community has led to an outpouring of sadness and tributes.

Brindley Hosken died unexpectedly at his home at Withan, near St Martin on the Lizard Peninsula, last Tuesday, aged just 64.

Brindley, who was also well known for writing two books based around life on the farm, suffered a heart attack and despite the efforts of his family and emergency services he sadly could not be saved.

Writing on his Facebook page on Sunday, where he posted ‘The Brindley File’, normally giving humorous snippets of farming news, his family shared a final update with his followers, saying: “It is with heavy hearts that we, the family of Brindley, write this final Brindley File.

“On Tuesday, October 10, Brindley suffered a heart attack at Withan while discussing the day’s work in the yard with his son David.

“David, Ruth and Chris made every effort possible to save him before the paramedics took over, unfortunately without success.

“Fortunately his two daughters, Sarah and Frances, made it home so the four of us and Chris were with him when he passed.

“Brindley really enjoyed creating these posts and never imagined it would be so popular. He loved responding to each comment and we as a family thank you for making our daft dad/husband so happy.

“We have to end this last post in true Brindley File style... ’Darn good job I put a clean shirt on this morning!’”

Brindley is survived by his wife Ruth, three children – Sarah, David and Frances – and five grandchildren, who he was devoted to and dedicated his recent second book to.

Falmouth Packet: Brindley and Ruth with their children when they were youngBrindley and Ruth with their children when they were young (Image: Family picture)

Brindley was born at Chywoone in St Keverne, then moved to various farms as a child before the family moved to Withan in the late 1960s, where he lived the rest of his life.

He went to St Martin School and then Helston Green School, before it closed and students were moved to Helston Comprehensive.

Aside from his lifelong farming work, Brindley was a parish councillor for almost 30 years before stepping down in recent years and was succeeded by his son David.

He was president of Helston and St Keverne Young Farmers’ Club for three years, and went on to be vice president of Cornwall YFC.

He is a former chairman of the West Cornwall Grassland Society and has previously also chaired the Cornwall Grassland Society.

Brindley remained the chairman of St Martin Horticultural Show at the time of his death.

In recent years he added ‘author’ to his list of achievements, writing two books - 'Cows and Catastrophes', which proved so popular he followed it up with a second book, 'Up Long Meadow', which published only recently.

A funeral service for Brindley will take place next Wednesday, October 25, at the Central Methodist Church in Helston, at 11am.

The family is encouraging people to car share and park in the free Fairground Car Park, opposite Coronation Lake, and walk up to the chapel.