In Memoriam
Next 12 monthsPrevious 12 months
19th January 2023
Denis Pierce
IOW Newport Lions Club
It is sad that I have to inform you that Lion Denis Pierce MJF passed to higher service on the 19th of January. Denis was a founder member of the Lions Club of Newport, I O W, and a Melvin Jones fellow.
The funeral for Lion Denis will be on Thursday 23rd February 2023 1:30pm, at Isle of Wight Crematorium, followed by The Woodmans Arms, Wootton.
Please let Almoner Ron know if you hope to come to the Woodmans Arms so we can let the family know numbers by 16th February.
No set dress code.
Family flowers only, donations via tribute page in Denis' memory as follows:-
denispierce.muchloved.com/
If unable to attend in person, Denis' funeral will be live streamed, please use contact us for details.
Ron Twining
Almoner
25th December 2022
Paul Hallet
Trowbridge Lions Club
Details to follow
Sentinel
1st December 2022
James McGregor
Another District or unknown Lions Club
Formerly of Portsmouth Lions Club
I have received the following sad news from the Helen Keller Internet Lions Club.
We have learned today that our President Lion James McGregor has passed to Higher Service.
Lion Jim passed suddenly in December, he volunteered many hours for St Johns Ambulance as a Lion, something he was very passionate about and trained many volunteers doing this.
LP Jim joined the East Anglia Helen Keller Internet Lions Club in June 2020 having been a member of Portsmouth Lions Club where he had been President (2012/13), Secretary (2013-15) and was also Zone Chairman and Marketing & PR Coordinator in District 105D (2011-14).
Our condolences have been passed to his parents and sister Sarah.
Barry Miller
Almoner 105CE
24th November 2022
Jennifer Thorn
Hayling Island Lions Club
Details to follow
Sentinel
17th November 2022
Maurice Watson MJF
Swindon Lions Club
The Lions Club of Swindon is sad to report the loss of one of their most enthusiastic and active members, Lion Maurice Watson aged 78. He was taking part in one of his favourite activities playing walking football when he suddenly collapsed and despite the best efforts of paramedics including the Wiltshire Air Ambulance, passed away.
A Past President and Zone Chairman, Maurice was a great supporter of youth including Scouts and football coaching and in particular Lions youth projects: Young Leaders in Service and ROAR. He will leave a very large gap in the club and club activities.
Our condolences go to wife Rosemary and all his family.
Steve Austin
Secretary
1st November 2022
Colin Smith
Jersey Lions Club
Details to follow...
Ron Twining
Almoner
1st November 2022
Kenneth Persson PID
Another District or unknown Lions Club
Past International Director Kenneth was from Vellinge, Sweden Lions Club and was PCC Peter Burnett's International Guest at our 2018 Convention in Southsea.
Dave Ebsworth
District Governor
29th October 2022
Nicholas Branch
Alton Lions Club
Details to follow...
29th October 2022
Barrington Burdett
New Milton Lions Club
Details to follow...
Ron Twining
Almoner
28th September 2022
Christian Penny MJF
Bradford-on-Avon Lions Club
The Members of Bradford on Avon Lions Club are saddened to report the passing to Higher Service of Lion Christian Penny MJF. Lion Chris was a Charter Member with 52 years of service and was President twice, Club Secretary for many years and held other positions within the Club and District. Lion Chris leaves behind his wife Monica, daughters Alison and Caroline and their extended family.
The funeral will take place at Semington (West Wiltshire) Crematorium, Devizes Road BA14 6HL on Thursday 27th October at 2:30pm and afterwards at Cumberwell Park Golf Club, Bradford on Avon BA15 2PQ.
Keith Yates
Secretary
19th September 2022
Tony Lomax
Woodley and Earley Lions Club
It is with great sadness and sorrow that I write to let you know that our dear friend Lion Tony Lomax passed away on Monday afternoon, 19 September.
Tony joined the club in May 2014, and despite battling with illness in recent years remained a stalwart and active member of the Community Services Committee.
We will miss his steadfast service, his calming and unflappable personality and his kind and compassionate nature.
Tony's funeral: Tuesday 11th October 2022 at 1130 am, Easthampstead Park Crematorium, South Road, Bracknell, Wokingham RG40 3DW.
Afterwards at The Castle Inn, Church Hill, Hurst, Reading RG10 0SJ to celebrate Tony’s life.
All Lions who wish to attend are very welcome to join Trisha and the family after the service. You are encouraged to wear a splash of colour at the service, a colourful tie or scarf would be appropriate.
Mike Kennedy
President
12th September 2022
Nigel Ricketts
Westbury Lions Club
It is with sadness that we report the passing into higher service of our dear friend and fellow Lion Nigel Ricketts, who succumbed to non-Hodgkins lymphoma on the 12th September 2022 aged just 63 years.
In his younger years, Nigel served in the Royal Household of Windsor Castle as a cabinet maker and furniture restorer and he shared many happy memories with friends of his time there. In recognition for his service, Nigel received awards and letters of appreciation from members of the royal family and it was a time of which he was immensely proud. His 'talents with timber' were never far from show, as he regularly assisted friends and local businesses making furniture and repairing all things wooden!
After his time at the Royal Household Nigel worked for over 20 years in social services, providing care and support to people living with learning disabilities as well as training and supporting others in their care.
Nigel became a very active member of Westbury Lions on joining in November 2015. Nigel took up the harmonica relatively late in life, but soon mastered it and became a respected player. With his musical background, he was always at the forefront of club events ensuring that our PA systems were loud and clear for all to hear! Members fondly recall his harmonica lessons, given free to children in the community as part of the Westbury Music and Arts Festival, as well as his band Stamp performing at our Vehicle Show in front of a huge and appreciative crowd with Nigel smashing out the most amazing sounds with his harmonicas!
Despite his diagnosis, Nigel was determined to live happily right to the very end of his life. Although he had no family of his own, he became an adoptive grandfather to a local family and in doing so won the hearts of so many who saw the gentle side of him. His kindness extended to others every day, and his determination to fight his diagnosis was clear to all. Just weeks before his passing, he once more entertained the crowds at our Vehicle Show for one more time as well as putting on a dedicated night of live music with his friends Bob and Carol at the Horse and Groom in Westbury - a night which was standing room only as so many people attended and shared their love for him and his music. That night in particular, there wasn't a dry eye in the house!
Nigel passed peacefully at home where he wanted to be, with dear friends beside him. Although he will be sorely missed, Nigel made sure in his life that he will never be forgotten by the many people who he touched along the way.
Nigel Coward
PR Officer
31st July 2022
David Hitchins PCC
Reading Lions Club
My fellow Lions
It is with a heavy heart I have to inform you of the passing of Lion Past Council Chair David Hitchins of the Reading Lions Club (CIO) on Sunday 31st July 2022, Lion David was a charter member of the club which was formed on 15th June 1965.
David’s funeral will be held at 2:30pm on Wednesday 24th August 2022, at Reading Crematorium, All Hallows Road, Reading RG4 5LP. It is the request by the family “Family Flowers only” and all donations be made to The Lions Club of Reading (cio) via the club's website please www.readinglions.org.uk. Following the funeral there will be a private family wake only.
If you require more detail please e-mail Lion PDG Patrick Hamblin or contact myself.
Dave
Dave Ebsworth
District Governor
23rd June 2022
David Fowler MJF
Loddon Valley Lions Club
It is with great sadness that Loddon Valley Lions have to report the passing into Higher Service of Lion David Fowler MJF on 22 June 2022.
Lion David was our Charter President and served as a member of Basingstoke Lions prior to setting up Loddon Valley Club in 1975. He was a much loved and respected member of our club who until very recently took an active part in all aspects of our club. Always the first to spring into action he will be very sadly missed.
David's funeral will be held at the West Berkshire Crematorium, Bath Road, Thatcham RG19 4LD on Thursday 14 July at 13:00.
Bob Prevost
Secretary
8th May 2022
Christine Adam
Henley on Thames Lions Club
Details to follow
MyLCI
6th April 2022
Alan Southam
Wareham Lions Club
Details to follow
MyLCI
28th February 2022
Hilary Shaer
Chippenham Lions Club
It is with great sadness that I have to tell you all that Hilary died at home this morning.
She and Dave had contracted Covid while on a cruise on the Queen Mary and this may have been a contributory cause.
Dave was a Past President and member of our club until they moved to Devon, but they were regulars at our Charter each year and longstanding members will I am sure be just has upset as I am.
Ted has passed on the best wishes of all the club to Dave who has his son Rob living nearby to support him at this very difficult time.
Derek Angell
Secretary
28th January 2022
Tony Moxey
Westbury Lions Club
It is with sadness that we report the unexpected passing to higher service of our friend and fellow Lion Tony Moxey overnight on the 28th January 2022. A long term friend and work colleague to some of our senior membership, Tony was welcomed to the club in April 2017 and immediately got involved in Lions service and events.
He will be remembered by all for his jolly smile, great sense of humour and willingness to join in, and his support for other community services such as the local Hospital Link scheme demonstrates his commitment to improving Westbury for all. He always engaged with new members and was universally loved by everyone.
The club was especially proud to welcome his wife Barbara to the fold in March 2020, and the pair of them together brought warmth and laughter to every meeting.
Tony was laid to rest on Friday 25th February, surrounded by family and friends paying their respects. Our thoughts remain with Barbara and the family at this sad time.
Tony is pictured here on the right, on the evening his wife Barbara was badged up as a member of Westbury Lions Club. Left to right are Lion President Michelle Strout, Lion Mike Pearce, Lion Geoff 'Shorts' Curtis, Lion Barbara Moxey, Lion Tony Moxey
Nigel Coward
PR Officer
4th January 2022
Eric Nixon
Fareham Lions Club
Lion Eric Nixon passed to higher service on 4th Jan 2022, aged 93.
Eric was introduced to Fareham Lions back in 1981, following a conversation with a neighbour. He helped to provide a Fareham Lions presence at many events, such as Stubbington Carnival, Fareham Fireworks and other fetes or stalls, just so people within Fareham could be supported by Lions.
In 1986 Flight Lieutenant Eric Nixon retired from active service from the RAF after joining up at the age of 16 as an apprentice in 1944, an impressive 42 years of service.
He served many positions within the club including Treasurer and President but was not content to sit still and served as an officer within District 105D and MD between 1997 and 2012 as either Almoner, Community Service Chair or as Speech, Hearing & Medic Alert Officer.
One of the projects Eric worked on as MD officer was to resolve the issue of recycling and repairing of hearing aids. He liaised with HM Prisons where prisoners learned the skills to repair the hearing aids and put them back to use. Eric even visited the prison to see the work being done. The only problem was they let Eric out!
In 2005 Eric was presented with the Melvyn Jones Fellowship and also received an International Medal from the International President in that year, Jimmy Ross.
Eric was one for his stories, especially about his bomb disposal years in the RAF. A story shared with me was that Eric was driving Pat, his wife, Patrick Hamblin and Jo Hamblin to a Lions event. He was, to say the least, a fast driver, and they put this down to his service career when he was driving fast to get to an unexploded bomb! The thrill of fast driving never left him!
When Pat became District Governor in 2007, Eric provided a tremendous amount of support, as well as his chauffeuring skills.
Around 2009/10 Eric was diagnosed with early stages of dementia and continued his service informing clubs, schools and organisations about what it is like to live with dementia along with PDG Pat. This brought involvement with Kitbags and Berets, a group for ex service personnel living with dementia.
Eric was in Cosham Lions briefly and returned to Fareham Lions in 2017 bringing with him that same sense of fun, laughter, and stories.
In 2018, not only did Eric celebrate his 90th birthday but he was also a Citizen of Honour for Fareham Borough Council for his service to the community.
Fareham held its Senior Citizens Afternoon Tea Party (delayed) in October 2021 and on this occasion, we asked the Mayor of Fareham, Cllr Pam Bryant, to present Eric with his chevron for 40 years’ service as a Lion.
“As Lions, we hold ourselves to the absolute highest standards in everything we do. Our members and clubs are dedicated to serving others, and it shows. We champion kindness in our communities and actively work to improve the lives of all people.”
This was Eric - a Lion through industrious application; quality of service; true friendship.
Lions stands for Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nations Safety
But we will remember him for his Legacy, Inspiration, Occasional Numerous Stories,
We have made a recording of the funeral service and, due to the size of the files, have uploaded them to our SharePoint account. The link below should take you to the folder that contains 2 videos, 1 audio file.
You do not need a Microsoft account to access the folder so any invitations to create one can be ignored.
htandsc-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/peter_hall_htscf_org_uk/EmWajU4yrCtPuY685xkNAbsB3GbTODGOzG8D_zcWPCDifw?e=sYfPVi
You should see the recording as a video in both Computer and HD quality, a sound-only file. The file sizes vary quite considerably.
Eric Nixon's Funeral 4th February 2022 Computer.mp4 (717 MB)
Eric Nixon's Funeral 4th February 2022 HD.mp4 (2460 MB)
Eric Nixon's Funeral 4th February 2022 Sound Only.m4a (60.3 MB)
Eric Nixon's Funeral 4th February 2022 Order of Service.pdf
Tom Armstrong-Collett
President
16th November 2021
Neil Bray
Yateley and District Lions Club
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
Ian Forster
Henley on Thames Lions Club
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
Michael Downer
IOW Cowes Branch Club Lions 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
Chris Poulton
Poole Lions Club
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
Gordon Cox
Blandford and District Lions Club
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
Ian Bowie
Highworth and District Lions Club
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
John Ormiston
Meon Valley Lions Club
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
Merve Skidmore
Havant Lions Club
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
Leslie Read
Jersey Lions Club
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
Michael Vincent
Woolmer Forest Lions Club
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
Trevor Tilbury MJF
Maidenhead Lions Club
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
Next 12 monthsPrevious 12 months
List
Denis Pierce - IOW Newport Lions Club
Paul Hallet - Trowbridge Lions Club
James McGregor - Another District or unknown Lions Club
Jennifer Thorn - Hayling Island Lions Club
Maurice Watson MJF - Swindon Lions Club
Colin Smith - Jersey Lions Club
Kenneth Persson PID - Another District or unknown Lions Club
Nicholas Branch - Alton Lions Club
Barrington Burdett - New Milton Lions Club
Christian Penny MJF - Bradford-on-Avon Lions Club
Tony Lomax - Woodley and Earley Lions Club
Nigel Ricketts - Westbury Lions Club
David Hitchins PCC - Reading Lions Club
David Fowler MJF - Loddon Valley Lions Club
Christine Adam - Henley on Thames Lions Club
Alan Southam - Wareham Lions Club
Hilary Shaer - Chippenham Lions Club
Tony Moxey - Westbury Lions Club
Eric Nixon - Fareham Lions Club
Neil Bray - Yateley and District Lions Club
Ian Forster - Henley on Thames Lions Club
Michael Downer - IOW Cowes Branch Club Lions Club
Chris Poulton - Poole Lions Club
Gordon Cox - Blandford and District Lions Club
Ian Bowie - Highworth and District Lions Club
John Ormiston - Meon Valley Lions Club
Merve Skidmore - Havant Lions Club
Leslie Read - Jersey Lions Club
Michael Vincent - Woolmer Forest Lions Club
Trevor Tilbury MJF - Maidenhead Lions Club
