The man’s family described him as the ‘sweetest person’, while a close friend said he would ‘always help everyone’.
Tributes have been paid to a father and pub chef, who was described as a “true legend” in a Cambridgeshire village. Andy Tillman, who lived in Stilton, died aged 55 on December 31, 2025.
Andy was a father to three daughters, and had one grandson. He worked as a chef in The Talbot Inn pub in Stilton, and was a big West Ham supporter.
At his funeral on February 6, many villagers and friends wore West Ham kits to honour his beloved club. Andy was considered a “true legend” in Stilton.
His family and friends have paid tribute to him. In a statement, his family said he was the “sweetest person”.
They added: “He would always do everything he could to put others before himself. He was always the life of the party. He loved West Ham so much. He made friends with anyone he could, he was funny and kind.”
Two of Andy’s closest friends, Debbie Nash and Melvin Clarke, also shared tributes. Debbie said Andy was her “best friend”.
She added: “I knew him for 16 years. He was the most genuine person you could meet. He would give you his last penny and he was always help everyone.
“The world is a sad place without him. [He was] my brother from another mother.”
Melvin said: “Andy was my closest friend. He cared for everyone he met from all over the world, and his West Ham family.”
Becca Holgate said there wasn’t a “bad word to say about Andy”. She added: “The man was a true legend. He helped anyone and everyone before putting himself first. He was always there to give you a cuddle, just a genuine good soul.
“He had friends all over the world and his funeral proved that. It was the biggest turn out I’d ever seen. I know for certain my life doesn’t feel so full without him being around.”
Ali Shailer described Andy as “special”, while Sandra Waldin-Walker said Andy was “one of the best” and a “really good friend”.
Jade Smith described Andy as a “selfless caring individual”. She added: “Andy lived a busy life, loved his family in their entirety, cherished his many friends and made the reciprocation of every conversation feel worthy of his time. Never a judgement or bad word from his lips, a half glass full always.”
In his honour, Janice Williams created a postbox topper that is now in Stilton. Janice said Andy “always loved” the postbox toppers, and so she wanted to create one for him.
She said: “It felt only right to make this one especially for him. What makes it even more special is that the wool used for his jeans belonged to his mum. After her passing, Andy very kindly gave me her beautiful sewing basket and it contained some wool, so I’ve put it to good use. Being able to use it here feels incredibly meaningful, a little piece of her stitched in a tribute to him.”
Janice praised Andy for being a “devoted dad” and a “proud grandad”. She added: “He was a huge West Ham supporter and a much-loved friend to so many in our village and beyond. This one is made with love for a kind soul taken too soon.”