In Memoriam
29th May 2025
Lions John Drago
Westbury Lions Club
It is with great sadness that I must share the news of the passing of our dear friend, past President and honorary member of Westbury Lions, John Drago.
John had been receiving support at Watersmead Care Home and passed away peacefully on Thursday 29th May following a brief illness, with care staff supporting him. He was 81.
A treasured friend to so many of us over the years, John's sharp wit, infectious sense of humour, and boundless enthusiasm for life left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. His tireless dedication to the Lions, his lifelong passion for Scouting, and of course, his love of trains were just a few of the many ways in which he brought joy, inspiration, and connection to those around him.
John’s unwavering commitment to service, to friendship, and most of all to his beloved wife Anita, defined the man he was. Whether he was organising an event for club or district, lending a helping hand to a good cause, or simply sharing a story and a laugh, John gave freely and wholeheartedly of his time and energy. His warmth, wisdom, and generosity of spirit enriched the lives of all who knew him.
His legacy will live on in the many lives he touched and in the fond memories and stories that will no doubt be shared for years to come among those who were fortunate enough to be close to him and Anita.
John should be remembered with deep affection, admiration, and gratitude. He worked tirelessly for Lions at Westbury and in the District, and was respected by his peers much further afield than at Westbury alone.
Lion Marilyn Skennerton
District 105sc Almoner
19th May 2025
Lion Ken Munson
Marlborough and District Lions Club
Ken was a dedicated member of the club until recently and a Melvyn Jones Fellow (2018)
He was president twice - in 1996/97 and 2001/02
He was Treasurer from 2003 to 2014
I can't tell from the new system when he actually joined the club but he was known by the members as one of the "founder" members. He joined after seeing the Teddy
Bear stall in the High Street., The club was founded in 1976 and it was probably not much longer after that he joined
He was very proud of being a Lion and very active until his health prevented him from being so.
Lion Marilyn Skennerton
District 105sc Almoner
1st May 2025
Mike Hendy
Bracknell Forest Lions Club
Mike was DG in 105A 2000 - 2001 and also DG in 105D (now SC) in 2014 - 2015. He left Bracknell Forest Lions in 2019.
Mike's funeral will take place on Saturday 10th May at St Joseph's Catholic Church, 23 Old Road, Bromyard HR7 4BQ
Lion Marilyn Skennerton
District 105sc Almoner
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
List
Lions John Drago - Westbury Lions Club
Lion Ken Munson - Marlborough and District Lions Club
Mike Hendy - Bracknell Forest Lions Club
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
