CLIFFORD Gurl, a prominent pub landlord and “Quarry man through and through” has died, aged 85.

He has been described by friends as “a good bloke” who was popular with all his punters.

Mr Gurl,left, started his pub career at The Duke of Edinburgh in St Clement’s after a spell working at the Pressed Steel Company in Cowley.

Mr Gurl, who soon built up a reputation for his Sunday morning music sessions, moved to The Masons Arms in Headington Quarry in 1966, where he stayed until his retirement in 1997.

John Graham, a Morris dancer from the pub who knew Mr Gurl well, said: “He was a good man.

“He was a very astute chap, but a jovial sort of fellow too, he was a very popular man.

“And he was definitely a Quarry man through and through.”

Mr Graham was a keen boxer and spectator, which earned him the nickname “Boxer” among his friends. He also helped to run the Barton United youth football teams for many years.

Mr Graham said: “Cliff didn’t stand on ceremony, but he kept a good house with decent beer.”

Mr Gurl passed away on March 29. He leaves two daughters, Sally and Jane, and grandchildren Sarah, Sam, Tom and Millie.