WITH the death of John Jourdan (aged 86), Spreyton has lost a very popular and highly respected gentleman.

John, with wife Rosemary and three sons, moved to Bush House in 1963 and have been much involved within the community.

At the memorial service following an earlier day private burial, his eldest son Johnnie gave the eulogy recalling many of his father's interests and achievements throughout his life. He told a packed-full St Michael's Church, his dad was educated mainly in Shrewsbury and became much involved in sport, delighting on scoring his first 100 for the cricket team, and also a member of the rowing team.

When old enough he volunteered for the Royal Navy and while on active service was much involved with the D-Day landings during the Second World War, unfortunately, his service career was cut short when he was diagnosed with asthma.

Johnnie said his father was born into a wealthy family, the eldest of three, with two younger sisters both living in Australia.

He had been married to Rosemary for 56 years, having his own business at Exeter, which on retirement was taken on by two of his sons.

He became a member of Spreyton Parish Council for 24 years and for eight of those he was its chairman. This took him to a Royal visitation to Tavistock which during the ceremony he was noticed and acknowledged by the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall David East — himself at that time living at Spreyton.

He was a terrific influence to councillors giving sound advice with any difficult decisions, and leading the council over negotiations concerning the village green. His wife Rosemary was a member of the former Okehampton Rural District Council.

John was a church man, being a member of the Spreyton Parochial Church Council, for a period.

John and Rosemary were members of the Tom Cobley Saturday mid- day lunch club, meeting with their friends for a drink and a chat. John attended there a couple of week before his death.

Johnnie said his dad was a true family man, loved his house and surroundings. had a wonderful charm and manner and was always immaculately dressed. With all these qualities and respect, he was the perfect gentleman of Spreyton and his loss will be mourned by many.

John's life was full of many interests — books, antiques, pictures, stamps, history, garden (mostly for sitting), and a great love of his dogs.

John is survived by his wife Rosemary, sons Johnnie, Peter and Edward, their three wives and three grandchildren.

The burial at St Michael's Church was private, with his sons and grandchildren acting as bearers. The service was conducted by the Rector of the Whiddon Down Benefice, the Reverend Paul Seaton-Burn.

A few days later the memorial service was held at St Michael's Church which was full for the occasion. As with Johnnie giving the life of his dad, his sons and grandchildren contributed to his life with readings and poems. The service was conducted by the Rev Paul Seaton-Burn and organist was Shirley Billard.

All donations were for the Royal Naval Officers Charity.