A wife has paid tribute to "the kindest and most generous man on earth" after his death last week.

Richard John Baker, of Spring Close, Borehamwood, died of kidney problems and a heart attack at Barnet General Hospital.

The 91-year-old leaves behind his wife, Kathleen Baker, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Mrs Baker said: “He was the kindest man on earth, all his life he only ever wanted to make me happy.

“Living with him and being with him was my best memory. He was the most generous man I’ve ever known, and so kind.

“He was always treating me and going out and buying me surprise presents.”

The couple met in the 1940s when they worked together at a safe company based in Stirling Corner, Borehamwood.

After he bought her a box of chocolates and asked her out on a date, they became inseparable and eventually got married.

Mr Baker, who was in the Navy, had regular dialysis for a kidney problem at the time of his death.

His wife added: “He doted on his our cats - almost as much as he doted on me.

“He was the best husband, I’ve never wanted another one. I’ll never get over his death, I’ll miss him every day.”