A POPULAR pub landlord who brought communities together through his passion for league pool has died aged 58.
Mohanbhai Govindbhai Patel, known to friends as Mo, passed away peacefully at St Thomas’ Hospital, South London, on December 8, after suffering from pneumonia.
He leaves a wife Sue, and two sons Teejay and Sarjay who worked with him behind the bar at The Downsman in Southgate.
Pool league players and pub regulars were said to to be shocked and devastated by the news.
Joe Plant, league secretary of Crawley Pool League, said: “The shock news has caused huge sadness throughout the league and Mo will be sadly missed by all who knew him. It is a great loss to the pool fraternity and the locals of The Downsman too.
“Myself and members of the pool league are still trying to come to terms with this news and our thoughts at this sad time go out to his wife, children and family. RIP Mo. You will not be forgotten.”
Mo was captain of The Downs pool team and a member of the Crawley Pool League committee.
Mark Hurley, a close friend and pub regular, said: “He was an outgoing person and always had a joke and a laugh with everyone.
“He was a big Manchester United fan. I’m a Chelsea fan and the banter is what I miss the most. “When I heard of his death I was devastated. He brought this community together and everyone gets on so well. He really made of feel part of the family. He was just such a good person. “Everyone who new him is distraught. It needs to be said how loved and popular he was.
“You can’t replace him, it’s such a massive loss, it’s just tragic.”
A funeral service will be held on Thursday (December 15) at Surrey and Sussex Crematorium for family members only.
Friends are invited to get together at the Downsman at 1.30pm on Thursday with a wake at the Downsman at 6pm.
Family flowers only with donations if desired to Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity.