Well-known community spirited, Verwood man, Roy Slade, died on 18 October just six weeks before his 91st birthday and after a short illness.

He had only recently been honoured by Verwood Town Council as a Freeman of the Parish of Verwood & Three Legged Cross.

Born in Southsea, Roy had a career in the army for 15 years seeing active service in Korea, Cyprus and Jordan. After leaving the army his background was in careers advice. He and his wife, Brenda, moved to Verwood in 1979 where he continued helping young people with their career choices, which became his life.

In over 50 years in the area, Roy started the West Moors Army Cadet Force for local boys, which still exists today. He ran St Michael’s Church Youth Club for several years and was an inaugural governor at Emmanuel Middle School becoming one of the key figures who fundraised to build the school.

Roy became chairman of Age Concern Verwood and raised funds to replace the minibus. He was also known as the voice of the Carnival and Rustic Fayre, where his commentary entertained the crowds for many years. He more recently became the voice of the veterans at the Remembrance Service.

A previous chairman of the Carnival committee, Roy was a past town and district councillor and former mayor in 2001. During his term of office, he started the annual mayor’s charity and the roles of Mayor’s Scout and Guide, which have become a lasting legacy.

A compulsive writer, Roy enjoyed working as a journalist for Viewpoint Magazine in 2004 and his work was appreciated by many.

He also gave recitals and lectures on Dickens and Kipling. All money generated at these events was donated to charity.

Roy was always the first to offer support to those in need and spent a lot of time visiting people.

Many might be unaware that in his younger days he was a keen cyclist and used to race, he was also a swimming instructor and lifesaver.

Roy led a fulfilled and happy life helping others whenever he could.

Married for 62 years, he leaves his widow Brenda, sons Peter and Andrew, and granddaughter Zoe.

On 9 November a family service will be held at the crematorium and a service of thanksgiving will be given at St Michael’s Parish Centre in Verwood at 1.30pm followed by a wake at Crane Valley Golf Club.