John Mansfield - the man who created Windsor's legendary Ricky-Tick Club in the 1960s has died - only weeks after launching his book which told the story of those legendary days.
More than 350 people attended the launch in July at the Windsor Eton Brewery and Mr Mansfield, 81, was on top form signing copies although he was confined to a wheelchair.
He was living at the Windsor Care Centre in Burlington Avenue, Slough.
His daughter Nicole said: "He was still a real character and they will miss him greatly there. He was not a typical father but he was great fun, he always wanted to learn new things."
Mr Mansfield had always loved music - he played in Slough Military Band. He started running the Ricky-Tick Jazz Club in Peascod Street in 1962, booking an unknown band called the Rolling Stones. It was in April, 1964 that the club moved to Clewer Mead where it became a favourite with the emerging Mod culture, attracting young people from miles around.
He was involved in the set up and bookings for the National Jazz and Blues Festival at Windsor Race Course in July 1966, which included the first gig played by Cream.
The last session of the Ricky-Tick Club at Clewer Mead on September 17, 1966 featured Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames, the same band that had opened the club two and a half years earlier. Even the BBC covered it.
John went on to open a second hand shop in Windsor. But he always remained passionate about music and determined that the history of Slough and Windsor should include the story of the early days of the Stones, Eric Clapton and the Who at the Ricky-Tick.
He spent years working on his book, which was finally completed with help from his brother Colin. As You Were: The True Adventures of the Ricky-Tick Club is published in a limited edition hardback with 330 pictures, priced at £20, available as asyouwerebook@gmail.com
He leaves his daughters Nicole and Fleur, son Philip and grandchildren Anton, Oliver and Cameron.
John's funeral takes place at 1pm on Thursday, September 12 at Slough Crematorium.
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