A FATHER of seven has died after trying to protect his beloved dog.
Jim Summers, 63, was walking his collies Toby and Patch through fields in Woodhatch when they were approached by a dog off its lead.
According to nearby walkers, the animal is said to have approached Toby who was trying to protect his master.
The dogs clashed and Mr Summers tried to pull the two animals apart – moments later he suffered a heart attack.
He was rushed to St George's Hospital in Tooting, where he died ten days later, on Sunday.
His family have paid tribute to the "most generous man" they ever knew.
His wife of 42 years, Jo, told the Mirror: "It's hard to believe. We've got tributes coming in from left, right and centre.
"People are saying how generous he was; if anyone needed anything he was the first one to help them."
She said friends and neighbours who live near their home in Holland Close, Redhill, were in tears when she told them.
The couple have 15 grandchildren, ranging in age from 3 to 22.
Mrs Summers, 60, added: "He was my husband, he was my best friend, he was my rock – he was everything to us."
Along with his family, Mr Summers' other two great loves were his dogs and Chelsea Football Club, who he had supported since the 1960s.
His youngest son Jamie, 20, said: "He wasn't a glory fan; he loved the club and he loved his football – he was brought up with it.
"You look at photos from holidays and there he is in his Chelsea shirt."
Mr Summers was well-known by other dog walkers in the Woodhatch area, where he would regularly walk his beloved dogs.
"He was there almost every day," Mrs Summers said.
"Even if it was muddy he would walk up there and I would put things out on the floor for when the dogs came back muddy."
Emergency services were called and rushed to Woodhatch Road on March 28, but they then struggled to get across the fields to where Mr Summers was.
Other dog walkers in the area raced to help, putting the retired greenskeeper in the recovery position as his two dogs kept a faithful vigil by his side.
Mr Summers, who tended the course at Kingswood Golf Club for more than 20 years, had battled emphysema and problems with his chest, lungs and hips, but he had never let it slow him down.
"He would still walk everywhere, he never gave up," said Mrs Summers.
Tributes have poured in from friends and fellow dog walkers, but Mrs Summers says the loss of their treasured husband, father and grandfather has left a hole in her family.
"He really was the most wonderful man," she said.
"He was caring; he would do anything for anyone.
"I can't believe he's gone."
