Tributes have been paid to a well-loved shop manager with a “heart of gold” after his sudden death.

Donald Jones, the store manager at Budgens, in East Barnet Road, collapsed on Sunday night when he was at home with his brother, and never regained consciousness.

The 58-year-old’s colleagues have left a book of condolence at the front of the store, where customers have left messages.

Anita Chauhan, a customer service assistant who has worked with Donald for ten years, said the “cheeky” manager will never be forgotten.

She said: “He was the most helpful, kind and caring man you could ever meet. As managers go, he was the best. He really did have a heart of gold, and he would do anything for anybody.

“He never complained. There was always a relaxed atmosphere when Donald was about. He loved playing the lottery and loved his scratch cards.

“I was very fond of him, we all were, and the atmosphere without him here is just horrible. Nothing will ever fill the void that has been left – he can never be replaced. I miss him terribly.”

Donald, who was nicknamed “Donny” by his colleagues, had been off work to tend to his garden in the two weeks before his death.

He first started working at Budgens in East Finchley when he was just 16, and transferred to the East Barnet branch just over ten years ago.

Another colleague, Shravya Yampala, said: “He always called me trouble. He was like a father figure around here. Anything you needed, he would get it for you, no questions asked.

“He loved Christmas and always bought us festive outfits to wear in December, and he was always so jolly. He was great on the computer too.”

Just weeks before his death, Donald complained about feeling slightly ill but told his colleagues it was “nothing to worry about”.

He never missed a day of work in his life – and during the snowy period he walked to work from his home in Chesterfield Road, High Barnet.

Paul Kwamin, store manager, said: “He was a wonderful man - very honest, kind and happy man and wouldn’t say no to anyone. You couldn’t ask for anything more in a person.”

Customers were also left shocked by his sudden death, with many remembering how he used to help them with their shopping, even though it was not in his job title.

Nina Patel said: “The first thing you saw when you walked into the store was his smile. He was so friendly and always have time to chat to you and ask how you were. It is unbelievable news.”

Do you remember Donald? Leave a tribute below.