A ‘TRUE gent’ who entertained pub patrons with his singing has died at the age of 59.

Malcolm Eastwood - who many will know as ‘Pobsy’, a nickname he inherited from his grandfather - died after suffering a pulmonary embolism last Monday.

Malcolm, born and raised in Hoyland Common, was a ‘big Karaoke man’, regularly taking to the mic at the Queen Victoria in Darfield, Wombwell’s Barley Sheaf and the Cottage of Content in Wath.

His 30-year-old daughter Laura Purshouse said he would even miss family dinners to do so, such was his love of music.

“He was the life and soul of every party,” said Laura, of Havelock Street, Darfield.

“As soon as he walked through the door, everybody knew about it.”

Laura said Malcolm had a history of blood clots but was in generally good health.

He suddenly collapsed at his home on Millmoor Court, Low Valley, on Monday morning.

Malcolm’s wife of 31 years Joanne wasn’t allowed to travel in the ambulance with him due to social distancing restrictions, and when she got to the hospital he had died.

Laura also said that because of the coronavirus situation, doctors hadn’t been able to carry out tests they normally would.

“He didn’t die of COVID-19, but we can’t help but feel because of it he didn’t get the tests he needed,” she said.

“It’s a hard pill to swallow, in some ways.”

An electrical engineer, Malcolm worked at Grimethorpe and Houghton Main Collieries after an apprenticeship at Rockingham.

He was a loving husband to his wife of 31 years, Joanne, and a ‘big family man’ with two daughters and a son.

Laura said he ‘adored’ his four grandsons.

“He was a hard-working man who made sure he provided for his family,” she added.

The family are hoping to organise a celebration of his life at Hoyland Working Men’s Club after the lockdown has been lifted.