Tributes have been paid to a north London gardener who is believed to have been killed by a rare flesh-eating virus.
Peter Oliver, from Muswell Hill, died on Wednesday, September 16 after he was struck down by the devastating illness. He was 57.
It is believed he contracted the bacterial disease after he was bitten by an insect while gardening.
Surgeons at Whittington Hospital battled to save his life but he died there from sepsis as a consequence of the virus.
At his inquest at St Pancras Coroner's Court last Friday, his death was recorded as a result of natural causes.
Mr Oliver, a stalwart at Highgate Tennis Club, was described by friends and members as a “gentle giant” who was a “loving and caring” person in the community.
A tribute on the club website reads: “Pete will be remembered for being a genuinely lovely guy who never had a bad word to say about anyone; always smiling and just great fun to chat to on the bench or to play a match with.
“On court, he was indefatigable, and just seemed to keep on going through thick and thin.
“Pete was generous, approachable and kind; a gentle giant of a man.
"He touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to have met him and was an integral part of our tennis family at Highgate.
“His presence will be sorely missed by us all.”
Mr Oliver, known to members as Pistol Pete, worked as a gardener at the Highgate club.
A quiz night will be held at Highgate Tennis Club in Mr Oliver's memory on Saturday, February 20.
