A MAN who devoted a lot of time to helping others, Colin Edwin Pidgeon, has died at the age of 83.

Born at Garmoyle Nursing Home in Shanklin in 1935, he went to Gatten and Lake Primary School, then Sandown Grammar.

A keen sportsman, especially in athletics, he was Island champion for the 110 and 220 yard sprint.

On leaving school he trained to be an architect for four years, followed by National Service in the Royal Engineers as a draughtsman and surveyor, holding the rank of Corporal.

On returning to the IW in 1958, he was employed by several companies until his retirement in 1993, including Heathfield Builders, IW Water Board, Borough of Newport, Ventnor Urban District Council, Sandown and Shanklin Urban District Council, IW Council Surveyors' Department, DJ Holbrook Architects and Moss Motors.

He joined the Boys Brigade in 1948 and served for more than 50 years, at Shanklin, Lake and Sandown brigades, before rising to captain at Ventnor and at one time serving as battalion president.

A life-long Methodist, he became a lay preacher and spread the faith for 64 years. He was also a church steward at Lake and the East Wight Circuit.

He served on Lake Parish Council for 25 years and was chairman four times.

He was also a retained firefighter at Sandown and Newport, totalling nearly 15 years' service.

He enjoyed singing and was a member of Newchurch Male Voice Choir as a first tenor.

He was also a volunteer with Action on Hearing Loss.

He was a member of Sandown Historical Society, Sandown Meeting Point, and the Isle of Wight Heart Club, and was a keen and active plane-spotter.

He leaves his wife of 57 years, Jean, sons Geoff and Tim, daughters-in-law Ma and Amanda, and grandchildren George, Lucy and Leona.

A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, April 17, at 12.45pm at Sandown Methodist Church.

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