The Oyster Cove Inn at Kettering has closed its doors following the death of licensee Ron Tabor.
The family behind the pub announced the news on Facebook.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Ron,” they said.
“As a family we’ve had to make the hard decision to shut the doors to Oyster Cove Inn.”
The family thanked “our amazing staff and loyal customers for all your support over the last 15 years”.
The inn was built back in the late 19th century and sits on the corner of Ferry Road and the Channel Highway near the Bruny Island ferry terminal.
In an earlier business announcement, the Tabor family described themselves as “born and bred Channel residents” who started in hotels 42 years ago at the Hotel Mintoburn, the building that later became the Oyster Cove Inn.
They said they had also operated the Snug, Bruny, Margate and Kingston hotels.
Tributes have flowed on social media since the announcement.
Nick Tabor addressed his post to “Dad”, writing “forever love you”.
Franklin Labor MP Dean Winter said he was “so sad to hear this news”.
“Ron was an incredible bloke,” he said.
“Kind, funny, genuinely interested in everyone he spoke to.”
One local described Ron as a “gentle man at the heart of a town, who provided a place for togetherness” and thanked him for his “many quiet kindnesses over the years”.
One tribute said Tabor “always had a story to tell (local news, overseas news, footy, politics)”.
The family said funeral details would be shared for anyone who would like to pay their respects.
