Hundreds of residents from across Berkshire have left heartfelt condolences to the family of a 90-year-old Wokingham man who was found dead six days after going missing.

John, also known as Reginald or Reg, was reported missing on Saturday, September 27, and a large police and community search effort got underway.

Following an extensive search and rescue mission by police and Lowland Search and Rescue, the pensioner was tragically discovered on October 3, 2024.

During the search for Reg, several search groups were dispatched by family and friends showing huge community support for the search efforts.

Writing on a post from the police on Facebook, Resident Kieran Daniel Wassell said: “My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, such a kind and caring man.

“Devastating. Walked my dogs all the way along where the police cars were this evening at 2.30pm Thursday pm and couldn't see anything. My thoughts go out to his loved ones and those who found him.”

In several further social media posts following his death, he was described as a ‘kind and caring’ man by those in the community who knew him saying that he was always keen for a chat whilst out and about.

Lauren Seymour, a Wokingham resident, said: “So, so sad to read this devastating news. RIP Reg, I’ll remember our chat. Thoughts with his family and his lovely little cat.”

Liz Edmundson expressed her sadness for the family, saying: “So, so sad. Condolences to his family. I imagine he was an amazing man throughout his life and now another true gentleman is at peace.

“I imagine he saw and experienced many things we wouldn’t have ever experienced."

A member of St Paul’s Church in Wokingham alerted people who wished to pay their respects that they were free to light a candle in the church between 10am and 4pm, the day after Reg was found.

Alongside residents, Thames Valley Police reached out to the family with words of condolence as it supported them through their loss. Detective Sergeant Marcus Burrows, of Bracknell & Wokingham CID, said: “Our thoughts remain with the family at this difficult time.”

Another devastated resident, Mandy Turner, said: “So very sad to hear this news. Poor man. May he rest in peace, after a very well lived life.

“To his family, we are thinking of you and send heartfelt thoughts and condolences.”