Cumbria has lost a legend, who will be remembered throughout history for making people smile – with one of the ugliest faces and kindest hearts in the world.

Family, friends and fans have said goodbye to the widely known and well-loved Gordon Blacklock.

The 72-year-old multi-time gurning world champion died at Cumberland Infirmary on March 25, after a short illness.

Gordon was known nationally and internationally for his impressive face-contorting skills, and even featured in adverts for everything from Coors Light to Bonjela.

The Whitehaven man never failed to get the crowds screaming in terror and amusement as he pulled his infamous toothy gurn, and was proud to take part in the World Gurning Championships every year he could since 1980, being placed in the top three 26 times.

And while his devotion to his beloved gurning put him on the world’s radar, Gordon’s wife of over 21 years, Jackie, will remember him for so many other reasons.

“He cared about people – genuinely cared,” she said. “He could always make people smile, he was just such a good man.”

And one fact will always stick with Jackie – Gordon had a terrible sense of direction, and would never drive abroad.

“When we got together I was at Newcastle uni, and I had to tell him how to get there about five times before he could even attempt it on his own!” Jackie said with a laugh.

Gordon was a devoted family man, and after losing his first wife Sheila after 29 years of marriage, remained strong and positive for his daughters, Deb and Dawn, and was never seen without a smile on his face.

“Man United mad” Gordon leaves behind Jackie, Deb and Dawn, grandchildren Kaine, Callan, Ethan, Laura and Elisha, and great granddaughter Olivia, but his memory will live on through them.

Jackie said: “The kids will always remember granddad falling asleep in his chair – if he sits down, it was just known he would drop off!

“But for Laura, it’s walking. They’d always walk together, it was her special granddad time.

“We’re going to miss him.”

Deb and Dawn also paid tribute to their father, saying: “He was a great dad, always there if we needed him, and he adored his grandchildren and the feeling was mutual – his family was his world.

“Mostly I remember him playing darts when I was little. The constant thump of darts hitting the board was very annoying! But he was great at it.

“We would stand on his feet and he would dance, and we loved it. We thought he was magic – he would make black Jack’s appear in his hands.

“He loved his garden, loved growing leeks for Thornhill Leek Club, and he was a sun god! He would come home off night shift and lay in the garden and move as the sun moved.

“He would never miss the gurning ever. Once a year we would all be there supporting him and Ron Looney – we made forever friends, and still to this day my dad will be remembered for this.”

Dawn added: “All I can really say is that he made me the independent person I am today. He used to say, ‘it costs nothing to be nice’, and how right was.

“We love you, Dad. Always in our hearts, never ever forgotten.”

Dawn also thanked her stepmum Jackie for being there for her dad through everything, and taking the time to support her group Giveusabreak2010, as without her endless support it wouldn't be running.

Gordon, officially named Lawrence Arthur Gordon Blacklock, had a busy life, leaving school at 15 to pursue work, and taking on an array of jobs including working at Sellafield for 29 years.

Egremont Crab Fair’s gurning organiser, Kevin Brown, is devastated by the loss of a “legend”.

“Gordon just was the Egremont Crab Fair,” he said. “He is huge part of the crab fair, and always will be.

“Even when he didn’t win he was gracious in defeat, and he always had a smile on his face.

“He really was one of the nicest people you will ever meet.”

Crab Fair organisers shared a tribute following Gordon’s death, saying: “Very sad for us all to hear of the passing of Gordon Blacklock.

“You were like one of us, not just a gurner but a good friend to us all. A good man... a gentleman.

“Our thoughts are with all of your family at this very sad time.”