The memorial service for Frederick Jones, who has lived in Ross-on-Wye since 1985, was held on Friday, May 31st.

Fred’s friends and family gathered to hear of his life from London to Ross, and Reverend Simon Tarlton read out fond memories of Fred, who was the Chairman of the Ross-on-Wye branch of the Royal British Legion from 2002 to 2009.

Those gathered heard how Fred was naturally gifted at making things from scratch, and always liked to fix things.

In the war, he worked as a messenger in the fire brigade, and later as an engineer for the RAF.

Continuing his efforts to help others, he wished for his body to be offered for medical research, and it is being sent to Bristol University.

Rev’d Tarlton concluded with a thanksgiving prayer from an RAF prayer book, and listeners continued their remembrance of Fred at The Conservative Club in Ross-on-Wye.

Money donated after the service was split between St Mary’s Church, which Fred spent so much time in, and St Michael’s Hospice, who cared for him during his final days.