In Memoriam
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16th November 2021
Lion Neil Bray
Lions Club of Yateley and District
Yateley & District Lions Club are very sad to announce that Lion Neil Bray unexpectedly passed into higher service on November 16th 2021.
Neil joined Yateley & District Lions Club in 1984 and was president four times, 1997/8, 2006/7, 2012/13 & 2017/18. He regularly attended zone meetings and enjoyed District conventions through the years.
He was social chairman for many years organising a number of events including our charter anniversaries. Another office he enjoyed was being our Tail Twister, a task he took over in 2021.
He was a keen golfer and enjoyed numerous cruises visiting many countries. He had a great sense of humour and was a good storyteller. He was very knowledgeable on popular music in particular Buddy Holly and American Country Music.
He is survived by his wife Brefni, daughter Louisa, son Mark and two grandchildren, Marley and Mace.
The cremation service will be held at Easthampstead Park Cemetary & Crematorium (South Road, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, RG40 3DN) on Monday 6th December at 11:30am.
There will then be a funeral reception at Hampshire Lakes Bistro (Oakleigh Square, Hammond Way, Yateley, GU46 7UT) starting at 2:00pm.
The family have requested that there are no flowers but donations to The Multiple Sclerosis Society or Yateley & District Lions Club would be welcomed, both these charities were close to Neil’s heart. I believe that you will be able to donate through the funeral directors website:
www.fordmears.uk/funeral-directors/ford-mears-partners-yateley#donations
Brefni and family would love to see you, but to help manage arrangements could you please let me know if you are planning to come along to Hampshire Lakes for the reception.
Dave Myland
Secretary
21st September 2021
Lion Ian Forster
Lions Club of Henley on Thames
I have the very sad duty to inform you that Lion Ian Forster passed away yesterday evening. At this point I don’t have any further details but will pass those along once I have received them. Ian was our longest serving member, having joined in 1974, and was a Melvin Jones Fellow.
Ian’s funeral has been arranged for 11:00am on Wednesday 20 October 2021 at Holy Trinity Church, 16 Church Street, Henley-on-Thames RG9 1SE. There will be a gathering afterwards at Badgemore Park Golf Club, Henley-on-Thames RG9 4NR. A private family service will then be held later that day at the crematorium in Reading.
Dave Murray
Secretary
29th June 2021
Lion Michael Downer
Lions Club of IOW Cowes Branch Club
It is with much sadness that I have to report the passing to higher service of Lion Michael Downer known as Chuff due to his voluntary work at the IOW Steam Railway.
Chuff had been a member of the Cowes Club Branch for five years, he was an active and willing member, volunteering to help in whatever way he could.
Following a series of Strokes he had been battling poor health for the past two years, and was in the Elms Nursing Home at Bembridge, he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
PDG Lion Roger Huntley
Cowes Club Branch Liaison Officer
15th June 2021
Lion Chris Poulton
Lions Club of Poole
It is with great sadness that the Lions Club of Poole report the passing to higher service of Lion Chris Poulton. Chris had been a member of the club for over 30 years. He was awarded a Melvin Jones Fellowship in recognition of his long and devoted service to the club and the community. He always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. He encouraged all who knew him, and his advice could always be relied upon. He was the perfect Lion Welfare Officer, a job which he did for many years, ready with a sympathetic ear, helpful words and practical assistance. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his family, friends and fellow Lions.
Address for cards or messages
Delta
34 Elgin Road
Poole
BH14 8QX
Robert Maguire
Secretary
4th June 2021
Lion Gordon Cox
Lions Club of Blandford & District
Blandford & District Lions Club are sad to announce the Passing to Higher Service of their President for 2020 - 2021 Gordon Cox on Friday 4th June after a short illness in hospital.
Lion Gordon was 85 years young and a late arrival to Lions, joining during March 2019 but we will miss him. He is survived by his children, Adrian, Derinda and Nick, along with extended families
He served in the Royal Army Pay Corps for over 20 years rising to the rank of W.O.2. He saw service in Germany, Singapore, Africa and two tours of active service in Northern Ireland; not what he expected as a member of the pay corps.
He would tell me that his proudest moment was his visit to the Western front graveyards and the Menin Gate at Ypres alongside his eldest son Adrian standing side by side for the last post to be played.
He was also a lawn green bowler, playing for the local club for over 25 years, plus over 200 matches for Dorset Bowls, for whom he was President on 2 occasions and was made an honorary life member for his service to Dorset Bowls.
The Funeral Service will take place at Poole Crematorium on Thursday 24th June at Midday for family and invited guests.
Donations in aid of Prostate Cancer UK can be made through Colin J Close, Funeral Services, Peel Close, Salisbury Road, Blandford DT11 7JU Tel 01258 453133.
Tony Ives
Secretary
15th May 2021
Lion Ian Bowie
Lions Club of Highworth and District
The Highworth and District Lions Club are sad to report the passing to higher service of Lion Ian Bowie (78).
Lion Ian had been a member of the Club since 2000 and was an active member although he did not aspire to being a Club Officer. He was a keen and active supporter of the Lions Charity Shop until the Covid-19 lockdown and he will be sorely missed by the staff and the public.
Lion Ian was a widower who lived alone and is survived by two daughters.
PDG Ron Twining
Almoner
6th April 2021
Lion John Ormiston
Lions Club of Meon Valley
The Lions Club of Meon Valley reports, with sadness, the passing to higher service of Lion John Ormiston.
An approachable and generous man he was always prepared to get involved, help and assist in the work of the Club. He joined in 1975 and left in the mid - 80s for work reasons elsewhere in the country. He returned to the Meon Valley Club in 1997. Since then, he has been Club President twice and took lead roles in membership, social and fundraising. He was also adept at turning burgers and sausages upon demand!
John was Zone Chairman in 2008/09 and 2009/10 and became Lions Clubs International Foundation Coordinator in 2010/11 and 2011/12.
For his varied contributions to the Club and Lions John was awarded a Melvin Jones Fellowship in 2017.
John will be sadly missed within the Club. He was honest and forth-right, speaking out when he felt necessary. The Club has lost a good friend.
Ron Twining
Almoner
17th March 2021
Lion Merve Skidmore
Lions Club of Havant
It is with much sadness that I have been asked to inform you all on behalf of Havant Lions Club, of the recent passing to higher service of Past President Lion Merve Skidmore, age 79. Who will be greatly missed by his fellow members.
Should I receive any further information about Lion Merve, I will of course pass it on to you all.
Ron Twining
Almoner
10th March 2021
Lion Leslie Read
Lions Club of Jersey
The Lions Club of Jersey reports, with sadness, the passing to higher service of Lion Leslie Read (87).
Lion Les became a Lion in 1964 and was the Club’s third longest serving Lion. During his Lions career he had been a Director and a Trustee of the Club’s major project, Maison des Landes Hotel for people with disabilities.
A great realist, if he thought the Club was getting too pleased with itself, he could always be relied upon to prick the balloon of self-satisfaction.
Peter Tabb
Newsletter Editor
1st February 2021
Lion Michael Vincent
Lions Club of Woolmer Forest
Woolmer Forest Lions are sad to announce the death of club member Michael Vincent on Monday 1st February 2021.
Michael had been an active club member for 14 years, and he was reliable and kind-natured. He will be very sadly missed by his family and the club. May he rest in peace.
Chris Webb
Secretary
16th January 2021
Lion Trevor Tilbury MJF
Lions Club of Maidenhead
In 1973 Trevor Tilbury was a founder (Charter) member of Maidenhead Lions Club and he remained an active member until he passed away in January 2021 after 48 years’ service. Lion Roy Bennett MJF joined shortly after Trevor and remembers him as his first President.
Trevor was always enthusiastic and helpful to other members. He spearheaded many events for the Lions Club as a fundraiser, serving the community and organising social events and outings; one of the most notable was a recent tour of No. 10 Downing Street.
Most Lions Club members have sought advice from Trevor. He was an example to colleagues and in particular to new members. His approach to everything was reliable, thorough and calm. In 2003, Maidenhead Lions honoured him with Life membership and he was awarded an MJF subsequently.
In recent years he led the Maidenhead Club to organise its first free Prostate Cancer screening event coordinating help from the NHS, the Council and other local charities, and setting the standards for future events. More than 450 tests were carried out in 4 hours. His widow Lucie has always actively supported Trevor. He will be greatly missed.
Brenda Butler
Secretary
29th December 2020
Lion Daphne Ashenden MJF
Lions Club of IOW Sandown and Shanklin
I have been asked by the family of Lion Daphne Ashenden MJF, to inform you that she passed away on Tuesday evening, at the age I believe of 94.
Daphne was a member of the Sandown and Shanklin Lions club and along with her husband Bob were the main force behind the building of the Lions Day Centre in Lake.
Sadly, Lion Bob passed away several years ago, after which Daphne sold her bungalow and moved to a residential care home, where she seemed quite happy and content.
Daphne will be missed by many of us.
Ron Twining
Almoner
18th December 2020
Lion Chris Grant
Lions Club of Ringwood and Fordingbridge
It is my sad duty to advise of the peaceful passing of Lion Chris Grant in the early hours of 18th December at Christchurch Hospital, aged 68.
Lion Chris was a long serving member having joined in 1977 and was active until taken ill only a few weeks ago. He served as Club President 1990-1991 and Zone Chairman 1992-1993. He will be remembered as a true stalwart of our Club and will be sorely missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his remaining family and friends.
Funeral arrangements will be circulated when known.
Barrie Richardson
Treasurer
1st December 2020
Lion Roy Murrell
Lions Club of Wantage and Grove
The Lions Club of Wantage and Grove reports with sadness the passing to higher service of Lion Roy Murrell.
Sentinel
