The heartbroken family of a Farnham man who died after a tragic accident at the town’s recycling centre have paid tribute to a “deeply loved, humble, kind and highly knowledgeable man”.

Roger Mantle, who had retired just four days earlier at the age of 75, died after a fall, on Saturday, April 6, from steps at the Farnham Community Recycling Centre off Guildford Road.

The centre was closed while emergency services attended and Mr Mantle was airlifted to St George’s Hospital, Tooting, where he died in intensive care on the Monday morning as a result of head trauma.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Surrey County Council and Suez, which runs the centre on behalf of the council, are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Users have often complained about the steep steps at Farnham Community Recycling Centre
Users have often complained about the steep steps at Farnham Community Recycling Centre (Google)

Roger was born in Hanover but his family settled in Aldershot, where he developed an insatiable interest in all things mechanical. He set up as a self-employed electrician in 1972 and carried out his last job on April 2.

He had a deep passion for his trade and worked extensively in residential properties. His clients remember how meticulous he was and many still have the sticker he left behind, bearing his name and address, such was his pride in his work. Many also remember his vintage Toyota van and his Rover 820 Vitesse, which he had just restored. 

Roger was incredibly proud of his many long-standing friends and acquaintances and he shared his knowledge with friends and family. He and his wife Susan moved to Upper Hale in 1975, and both worked relentlessly, building the family home over the years.

Roger Mantle, 75, died after a fall at Farnham's Bourne Mill recycling centre
Roger Mantle, 75, worked across Surrey and Hampshire as an electrician prior to his retirement four days before his accident (Supplied by family)

Roger had a deep interest in local history and an incredible memory for dates, people and places; his knowledge of the past and present is a great loss. 

Roger is survived by Susan and their two children, Stuart and Hannah who said: “To us, dad was a deeply loved, humble, kind and highly knowledgeable man whose humorous, good-natured, calm and patient presence will be greatly missed.

“He deserved so much more from his retirement after working relentlessly for others in life. If we had a choice of a father, we would choose him over and over again, every time.

“We are deeply humbled by Roger’s neighbours and friends who have contacted us. He clearly touched the hearts of many; we thank them all. We also thank all those who aided Roger where the accident happened and at St George’s.”