THE funeral for a much-loved Bournemouth man is to be held later this month. 

Gordon Roberts, affectionately known as Gordon the Tramp, will be laid to rest at a funeral held on Thursday, December 21 at 3pm. 

Residents are being invited along to the funeral at North Cemetery in Strouden Avenue, Charminster to pay their respects to the Bournemouth legend who died last month aged 94. 

Shirley Broom, a family member of Gordon, said: “Gordon Desmond Roberts sadly passed away at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital on November 19, 2023 aged 94 years old. 

“He will be sadly missed by all his family and all that knew him. 

“The funeral will be held at Bournemouth Crematorium on Thursday, December 21 and 3pm.  

“All welcome.” 

Guests are also invited to the Broadway pub in Castle Lane West after the service to raise a glass. 

The family has also asked for donations to be made to AFC Bournemouth via W Smith and Sons instead of giving flowers.

Attendees can wear Cherries kit to the funeral.

To many, Gordon was one of the best-known faces in the town and had become an internet phenomenon. 

He hit the national news in 2007 when students set up a Facebook tribute page which gained thousands of members. 

He also had the extraordinary ability to tell the time without wearing a watch – a skill which made him a legendary figure amongst clubbers and students. 

But it was around the sports clubs he was best-loved, often seen pottering around with his dog, watching AFC Bournemouth or Poole Pirates.  

Despite his dishevelled appearance with a long, bushy beard and straggly hair, he was not homeless – he lived in his own house in Charminster.  

But those who met him will remember him for being the nicest, scruffiest, most eccentric man around town.