Family in tribute to 'true gentleman' Brian Metcalfe

A man who died after being hit by a car in the Black Country was today described by his family as "a true gentleman of the old school".

Brian Metcalfe, aged 71, was crossing Dudley Road in Oldbury on his way to The George pub when he was hit by a Nissan Micra that failed to stop.

His loved ones today remembered him as a warm father and infectious character.

Partner Gloria Ley, of Junction Road, Oldbury, said: "He was very attentive and kind and he would take me anywhere. He was so romantic.

"He was a real gentleman. He would open the door for you and never let you carry anything.

"If he saw an old lady in the street carrying a bag, he'd offer her a hand."

Ms Ley added that Mr Metcalfe was a man of the world and began his working life as a craftsman before enlisting in the RAF in his 20s. "He served for 12 years and made it to sergeant and then became a private eye before he worked for Abbey in life insurance for three years. He was always so active, he would come home and do push-ups just to show you he could still do them.

"He read a lot and was very articulate — he could do anything," she added.

Mr Metcalfe, who was born in Wales, then became landlord of the Jolly Collier on Junction Road, before returning to his RAFroots — as a safety equipment supervisor for Babcocks at

RAF Valley in north Wales. He worked there for the past 14 years, visiting his family in Oldbury at weekends.

Daughter Sarah Metcalfe, aged 31, added: "I was always so proud he was my dad, he was such a wonderful person. If I ever had problems, I'd phone him and up and he'd make me feel better.

"He would take his granddaughter, my 11-year-old daughter Louise, to the pub at the weekend to sing karaoke with him.

Miss Metcalfe, who also has a seven-year-old son named Louis, added: "They'd sing old Rat Pack stuff like Dean Martin's The Little Ole Wine Drinker Me and he'd joke we were lucky to have a dad so handsome. He would do anything for you — I could not have asked for anyone better. I always felt like his little girl and now I feel like I will have to grow up."

The family have yet to finalise details of Mr Metcalfe's funeral.

He was knocked down at 11pm last Friday. A woman, aged 32, who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, was released on bail.