Tributes continue to pour in following the death of Sheffield's oldest man

On April 22nd, Basil Croft, aged 106 and 50 days old, believed to be Sheffield’s oldest man, died peacefully in his care home at Woodseats, Sheffield. His family have described him as a legendary father figure and a role model for people everywhere.

Incredibly, even at the remarkable age of 106, he was fit and healthy enough to ensure he was not on any medications. His family would like to reassure friends and locals that his passing was not in any way related to the coronavirus.

He was crowned Sheffield’s oldest man just before his 105th birthday in February 2019. Basil and his son, Tony Croft, were interviewed by Radio Sheffield when the claim of Basil being Sheffield’s oldest man was made. To this day, no one has disputed the assertion.

As the youngest of 11 children, Basil went on to be a protected employee during the war, working as a crane driver on munitions supplies at Firth Brown. After the war, he went on to work as a depot clerk at Sheffield Public Works Department until retiring in 1979.

Aside from his working life, he was a devoted husband for 52 years before his wife died in 1989, and he was committed to living at his Woodseats home for 81 years. He also remained a passionate a blades fan right to the very end.

His son Tony, said: “My Dad used to watch Sheffield United play football, and he was present at Wembley for the 1936 FA Cup Final when the Blades lost to Arsenal 1-0. He paid two shillings & sixpence for his ticket.

“On his recent 106th birthday on 4th March 2020, Sheffield United’s Ambassador, Tony Currie, paid dad a visit at his care home in Woodseats, and much to dad’s delight, presented a signed photo of himself to my father.

“My dad was also very kindly surprised by his grandson, and my nephew, David Croft, the Sky Sports Formula 1 race commentator and an ex-BBC Radio 5 Live Sports presenter, in the summer of 2014.

“David arranged for Dad to be the Mercedes guest of honour at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Mercedes were showing off their 100 year old racing car & David offered to provide a 100 year old man, my father.

“It was one of my fathers proudest moments - taking the applause in the open car as it was driven around the track at Goodwood in front of a very large crowd.

“He had this great ‘get up and go attitude’, his sense of humour also inspired a continued appetite for adventure. Up until the age of 104, he proceeded to travel up and down the length of the country by bus to meet members of the family, friends and even visit a girlfriend.

“He had a phenomenal independent streak, he would always try and tackle situations on his own. That is one of the best qualities many members of the family and I will always remember him for.”