Former mayor of Cowes and much-loved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, David Jones died peacefully at St Mary's Hospital on January 31.

Born in Peterborough in 1939, David moved to the Isle of Wight with his parents and older sister Betty in the early Fifties, attending Newport Grammar School.

He worked on the mainland in the early 60s and while he was there he fell in love with and married Win. 

They bought a house in Cowes where they raised their two daughters.  They celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary last year still in the same house.

Isle of Wight County Press: The late David Jones, centre, with fellow Cowes councillors on Commonwealth Day.The late David Jones, centre, with fellow Cowes councillors on Commonwealth Day. (Image: Cowes Town Council)

David worked for W Hurst & Sons for nearly 40 years, becoming the manager of Cowes branch when it first opened in the Seventies and remaining there until retiring 2004.

He was elected for the Medina ward of Cowes Town Council in 2003, becoming deputy mayor in 2013, then mayor from 2015 - 2017.  

David completed 70 official engagements during his time in office. 

The highlight was the Royal Yacht Squadron's 200th anniversary, which was 2015 attended by royalty. 

He was still a serving councillor when he died. 

David was also keen gardener, winning prizes for his sweet peas.  He enjoyed planting flowers in planters around the town.  

Starting when he was mayor, he was also a judge at the Moorgreen Allotments' annual competition, something he continued to do.

David was dedicated to serving his community. He was a former treasurer for Cowes Sea Cadets and a former chairman of Cowes Business Association. 

Isle of Wight County Press: The late David Jones and a colleague tending to the Cowes wishing well.The late David Jones and a colleague tending to the Cowes wishing well. (Image: Cowes Town Council)

In 2003 he was joint founder of the Cowes Heritage Society.

In 2008 he was also a founder member of the Friends of Northwood Cemetery and helped secure a lottery grant to restore the two chapels. 

However, David would always say his family were his greatest pride and achievement.

He is survived by Win, his wife of 60 years, daughters, Alison and Jenny, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

David’s funeral will take place on March 3 at 12.45pm at the Isle of Wight Crematorium.

The family have requested family flowers only and donations to be made to either the Friends of Northwood Cemetery or Cowes Heritage and Community Group.