A MAGICIAN and comedian described by friends as a "true gentleman" has died aged 79.

Joe Lockwood first appeared on Nottingham's stages in the 1950s and soon became a well-known figure in summer shows and clubs across Britain.

Originally from Cork, he was renowned for his witty Irish humour.

His daughter Elizabeth Barker, who would sit backstage and watch him as a child, says he will be sorely missed by many.

She said: "In his heyday he was a local celebrity in Nottingham. There were many times he used to stand on a stage with a spotlight on him and used to have people absolutely cracking up in the aisles.

"He was a very funny Irish comedian who should be remembered – he was a true gentleman."

In Notts, Joe was a regular at miners' welfare clubs and other music venues, including The Variety Club in Radford.

He continued to work as an entertainer into the 1990s. He toured the country appearing alongside big names including Catchphrase presenter Roy Walker and Roly Poly Mo Moreland. Roy Walker said: "Joe was an absolute gentleman, a brilliant magician and great company. He will be sorely missed."

Joe, who lived in Gifford Gardens, The Meadows, died at the QMC on May 8 after battling cancer. While Joe Lockwood was his stage name, to his friends and family he was known as Patrick Daly.

The trained carpenter moved to Nottingham in 1952 where he joined the magic circle before moving into comedy.

He based his stage name on Josef Locke, a popular Irish singer, and added 'wood' as a tribute to his trade.

He appeared in Peak Practice, Auf Wiedersehen Pet and other shows as an extra and was once a guest on Des O'Connor's Pot of Gold.

In 1966, he married his wife Mary and the couple enjoyed a long and happy marriage. He also had a 15-month-old granddaughter who his daughter said he was "in awe of".

Elisabeth said: "My mother and I would like to thank all the hospital staff because they were wonderful."

Joe's funeral service is at 1pm on May 27 at the St Barnabas Cathedral in North Circus Street. A cremation at Wilford Hill Crematorium will follow at 2.20pm.

delia.monk@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk