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In Memoriam

In memoriam poem 

 

Previous 12 months

6th April 2025

Jenny Foan
Loddon Valley Lions Club

Loddon Valley Lions are deeply saddened to report the passing to higher service of Jenny Foan, wife of our President, Lion Geoff and good friend to all members of Loddon Valley and many longer serving Lions and partners in District 105SC.

Jenny had undergone major heart surgery in London and sadly, during her recovery, her lungs failed her. Loddon Valley Lions send their sincere condolences to Lion Geoff at this sad time.

John Goodchild
Secretary


31st March 2025

Frieda Cox
Highworth and District Lions Club

Highworth and District Lions club have the sad news that Lion Frieda Christina Cox has passed to Higher Service at the end of March.
Lion Frieda joined Lions in July 1996, serving nearly 29 years.
Born in April 1925 Frieda was close to completing her 100th year.
Freida had an active life in Lions, being club President in 2004/5, and was District 105W's District Peace Poster Officer from 2007 to 2010.
Of late Frieda has been an Honorary Member of the club, and will be missed.

Brian Donovan
PDG


3rd March 2025

Stan Flukes
Westbury Lions Club

As a charter member of our club, Stan was an active contributor to many of the formative activities of Westbury Lions in the early years. Following a hiatus from the club, he was welcomed back post retirement and continued to serve and support our events in every way possible.
Many of us who got to know him will probably remember Stan for his amazing joie de vivre! In his retirement he was active with many clubs and groups in the community, and would often arrive late to club meetings (to rapturous applause!) with a huge grin on his face, having rushed over from dance club or table tennis or supper with friends! He walked everywhere, it seemed, and was always rushing from club to club as he kept up his busy schedule.
In recent years as his health began to decline we saw less of Stan, but he kept up his jolly mood to the end as he spent more time at home with his wife Pat.
Whenever you met Stan he would always greet you with a cheery smile, a warm handshake and a happy comment about seeing another sunrise, he never seemed bored with life and always appreciated each day. A lesson for many of us to learn, there...

Lion Marilyn Skennerton
District 105sc Almoner


1st March 2025

Barbara Billinge
Hook and Odiham Lions Club

It is with regret that we inform you that past member Barbara Billinge passed away.
Barbara was a well respected member and latterly a Friend of Lions.
Barbara's funeral will be at Wokingham Crematorium on 27th March at 11:00am followed by a celebration of her life at Lismoyne Hotel in Fleet from noon.

Zone 2E Trumpet


28th February 2025

John Channing
Hayling Island Lions Club

John had been an active member of the Hayling Island Lions Club for many years until recently when ill health and reduced mobility prevented him from coming regularly to meetings. He was always proud to let people know he was a lion.

Lion Marilyn Skennerton
District 105sc Almoner


5th February 2025

Mike Bowden
Swindon Lions Club

Swindon Lions Club is saddened to report the death of Lion Mike Bowden. He passed away unexpectedly at home on 5th February. Mike was a great humanitarian and charity worker. A former corporate lawyer he took early retirement to work in the charity sector. Although involved with many causes he will chiefly be remembered for being founding chair of Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership an organisation that helped Ukrainian refugee families in our town. They are also heavily involved with acquiring thousands of tons of much needed medical equipment and supplies from sources all around the country which are shipped out by the lorryload on a very regular basis and in addition working with other similar groups to send out surplus vehicles such as SUV’s, ambulances and even buses.
We were proud to have had him as a member and will miss his incredible enthusiasm and dedication. He was a great Lion and a very good friend. We are all the better for having known him.
Our condolences go to wife Sarah and his two children.

Lion Marilyn Skennerton
District 105sc Almoner


22nd January 2025

Tom Lawson PDG
Calne Lions Club

The Calne Lions Club reports with sadness the passing to higher service of
PDG Lion George (Tom) Lawson. Lion Tom’s passing drew condolences
from many Lions who knew him well from his many roles at Multi District and
District levels. They praised his leadership, his guidance and his words of
wisdom which will be will be remembered for many years to come.

Lion Marilyn Skennerton
District 105sc Almoner


17th January 2025

Ron Neave
Wimborne and Ferndown Lions Club

Ron had been a member for nearly seventeen years making his club PR his speciality.
He had lots of contacts with the local press who he used to promote the club activities.
He was the inspiration and author of the club yearbook which he produced for a number of years.
Although poorly for the last few months he was still very active doing promotion and other club roles which he could manage from home such as overseeing the bookings for our biannual quizzes.
He will certainly be missed

Lion Marilyn Skennerton
District 105sc Almoner


16th January 2025

Colin Journeaux
Jersey Lions Club

Colin was one of Jersey's Charter Members who joined when the club was formed in 1963. He held various positions in the club including that of President in 1972/73

Lion Marilyn Skennerton
District 105sc Almoner


14th January 2025

John Bennigsen
Alton Lions Club

John transferred from Guildford Lions to Alton Lions in 1990 after he had moved to Lasham Village near Alton. John became an instant asset to the club always willing to lend a hand and as the Director of Marketing for Toshiba UK was the go-to member for raffle and draw prizes. He was recognised for his strategic approach to matters and provided a calm influence on all the normal changes that club’s experience. John served as Fund Raising chairman and later as Membership secretary and was a true supporter of opening the club to women. After 2018 and now into his 80’s John took on lighter activities and in 2023 was presented with a Melvyn Jones award by Lion President Moira Baker. John is sadly missed.

Lion Marilyn Skennerton
District 105sc Almoner


6th January 2025

June Smith
IOW Sandown and Shanklin Lions Club

June Smith was a very valuable member of the Club, she was the longest serving member and loved to be involved no matter whether it was events, socials or sewing all the awards on the banners the club won. She was very proud that we won so many awards in the carnivals and often accompanied me in the car when towing the float. She had been a lion for over 20 years

Lion Marilyn Skennerton
District 105sc Almoner


29th December 2024

Richard Kitson
Henley on Thames Lions Club

Henley on Thames Lions Club are sad to report the recent passing of their member. He had been a member for 10 years

Lion Marilyn Skennerton
District 105sc Almoner


29th December 2024

Richard Allen
Wimborne and Ferndown Lions Club

Wimborne and Ferndown Lions Club are sad to be reporting the passing of Lion Richard Allen on 29th December He had not been a member of the club for very long joining in June last year when Bournemouth and Christchurch Lions Club folded. He will be sadly missed.

Lion Marilyn Skennerton
District 105sc Almoner


20th December 2024

Robin Hotchkiss
Wimborne and Ferndown Lions Club

Robin HotchkissIt is with regret we have heard of the passing of Lion Robin Hotchkiss originally a Charter Member of Fleet Lions Club but lately a member of Wimborne and Ferndown.

There will not be a funeral but a celebration of Robin’s life. Details TBA

In March 1974 Lion Robin became a Charter member of the Lions Club of Fleet. Robin was always a very active member who in the years with Fleet served all the committees and was President in the 1990 – 1991 Lions year.

In September 2003 Robin moved to North Devon and transferred the Ilfracombe Lions Club. Despite moving away, Robin maintained close ties with the Fleet Club always attending our Charter Anniversaries therefore, even now, is known to nearly all of our current membership.

Robin will be greatly missed for his cheerful manner and his continued friendship with us all. Our deepest sympathy to Jeanie.

Brian Proctor MJF
FLOGS President


17th December 2024

Brian Bullock
Jersey Lions Club

Brian was a member of the Jersey Lions Club for 34 years. In that time he was a Past President and he supported the youth both at club level and in the District. He was a supporter of the Young Ambassador often accompanying the Jersey entrants to the contest. Brian resigned recently due to ill health but the club will miss the sterling work he did during his years with Lions.

Lion Marilyn Skennerton
District 105sc Almoner


19th September 2024

John Campbell
Meon Valley Lions Club

John was a member of the Meon Valley Lions Club for over 20 years being President in 2006/07. He was an active member until a few years ago when illness took hold. He will be a great loss to the club whose members will miss his wisdom and humour.

Lion Marilyn Skennerton
District 105sc Almoner


8th September 2024

Pen Wilson
Farnborough and Aldershot Lions Club

Lion Pen had been a member of Aldershot Lions Club for many years before their recent amalgamation with Farnborough Lions Club. During her time with Aldershot she held the position of Treasurer from 2019 - 2023 and she was their Tail Twister when the clubs merged.

Lion Marilyn Skennerton
District 105sc Almoner


27th July 2024

Peter Baker MJF
Westbury Lions Club

Peter was an active member of Westbury Lions Club for over 40 years serving in multiple roles within the club inc Trustee, Welfare Chair and President. He was calm and well respected for his kindness by all in the club and also in the wider community where he also volunteered his accounting skills as Treasurer on many community groups, He also had a fond love of campanology serving as Tower Captain for over 40 years and was admired and respected for his ringing skills across the country.

Lion Marilyn Skennerton
District 105sc Almoner


25th July 2024

Sean Donlon
Devizes Lions Club

Sean passed away at the age of 83 after a long illness. He was a true Lion in every way, dedicated to serving his community for many years. He joined Devizes Lions in 1991 and served as President in 1998-99. He was a true gentleman, kind, generous, with a wonderful sense of humour and always more than willing to help others.

Lion Marilyn Skennerton
District 105sc Almoner


23rd July 2024

Graeme Dunn
Trowbridge Lions Club

Graeme passed away in the Royal United Hospital. A Memorial Service was held in August which was well attended by Lions, family and friends. Graeme had been a member of Trowbridge Lions Club for over 25 years and in that time was President twice and he had been a long standing Trustee

Lion Marilyn Skennerton
District 105sc Almoner


21st July 2024

Hugh Turner
Warminster Lions Club

It is with regret that Warminster Lions Club report the passing of Lion Hugh Turner on 21st July. As soon as I have any family details I will send a Condolences Card and also any funeral arrangements I receive.

Marilyn Skennerton
Almoner


12th July 2024

John Hurley
Devizes Lions Club

It is with sadness that I have to inform you that Devizes Lion John Hurley passed to higher service on the 12th July at the age of 97.

John had been a Devizes member since 1971, so almost a Charter member, and was President in 1977/78. What service! He will be sadly missed.

To celebrate Lion John’s life, there will be a Thanksgiving Service, at 12:15 on 6 August, at Devizes Baptist Church, 17 Sheep Street, Devizes SN10 1DJ followed by food and refreshments.

If you wish to make a donation, please give to a cause close to John’s heart: Devizes Lions Club or Devizes Baptist Church.

Peter Blockley
Assistant Secretary


7th July 2024

Malcolm Carter
Ringwood and Fordingbridge Lions Club

It is with sadness I have to report the passing away of Lion Malcolm Carter from the Ringwood and Fordingbridge Lions Club on Sunday 7th July.

Marilyn Skennerton
Almoner


30th June 2024

Richard Hodgkins
Henley on Thames Lions Club

I have received details of the passing of Lion Richard Hodgkins of Henley on Thames Lions Club on 30th June. I have no further details at the moment as to whether his funeral has already taken place.

Marilyn Skennerton
Almoner


4th June 2024

Martin Whyborn
Melksham Lions Club

The Lions Club of Melksham reports with sadness the passing to higher service of Lion Martin Whyborn, known as Jim.

Lion Martin joined the Club in 2011 and will be missed greatly.

Sentinel


27th May 2024

Devan Kandiah
Eastleigh Lions Club

Devan KandiahIt is with regret that I have to report the passing to Higher Service of Lion Devan Kandiah of Eastleigh Lions Club.

Devan was known to so many of our lion members and the news of his passing will be received with great sadness. I will pass on our condolences to his family.

Just to let you know we are having a small private cremation for Devan tomorrow 6th June but we have set up a website for people to leave their thoughts and memories of Devan. It is
devankandiah.muchloved.com

Marilyn Skennerton
Almoner


1st April 2024

Colin Young
Blandford and District Lions Club

Details to follow...

Sentinel


24th March 2024

George Jeremiah
Bournemouth and Christchurch Lions Club

This morning Barbara Jeremiah called me to tell me that Lion George Jeremiah has peacefully died overnight.
George had been very ill and in hospital for many weeks, he died during the night, with his immediate family Barbara, Tony & Helen being there with him. He will be sorely missed by his family and many friends.

George was a real gentleman, kind and generous, a loyal friend, and tireless Lion, working for others. He will be sorely missed.

Pamela White
President


Previous 12 months

List

Jenny Foan - Loddon Valley Lions Club

Frieda Cox - Highworth and District Lions Club

Stan Flukes - Westbury Lions Club

Barbara Billinge - Hook and Odiham Lions Club

John Channing - Hayling Island Lions Club

Mike Bowden - Swindon Lions Club

Tom Lawson PDG - Calne Lions Club

Ron Neave - Wimborne and Ferndown Lions Club

Colin Journeaux - Jersey Lions Club

John Bennigsen - Alton Lions Club

June Smith - IOW Sandown and Shanklin Lions Club

Richard Kitson - Henley on Thames Lions Club

Richard Allen - Wimborne and Ferndown Lions Club

Robin Hotchkiss - Wimborne and Ferndown Lions Club

Brian Bullock - Jersey Lions Club

John Campbell - Meon Valley Lions Club

Pen Wilson - Farnborough and Aldershot Lions Club

Peter Baker MJF - Westbury Lions Club

Sean Donlon - Devizes Lions Club

Graeme Dunn - Trowbridge Lions Club

Hugh Turner - Warminster Lions Club

John Hurley - Devizes Lions Club

Malcolm Carter - Ringwood and Fordingbridge Lions Club

Richard Hodgkins - Henley on Thames Lions Club

Martin Whyborn - Melksham Lions Club

Devan Kandiah - Eastleigh Lions Club

Colin Young - Blandford and District Lions Club

George Jeremiah - Bournemouth and Christchurch Lions Club