A popular Bridgnorth man who devoted to his life to the town as a member of a host of organisations has died at the age of 89.
Harry Foxall, of Dunval Road, passed away at the Princess Royal Hospital, Telford, on Sunday after a long illness.
“He loved Bridgnorth where he was very popular and very well-known,” said his wife, Lilian. “He loved life and adored his grandchildren and will be a big loss to the town.”
Mr Foxall was a founder member and former master of the Gild of Bridgnorth Freemen, his family having been hereditary freemen since the 14th century.
He was closely involved with the town’s St Leonard’s Church where he was a chorister and steward and where he married his wife 62 years ago.
Mr Foxall was a former curator at Northgate Museum and a vice-president of the Historical Society which runs it.
He was a keen sportsman, enjoying snooker and billiards at the Comrades Club, playing football for Chelmarsh and cricket for the former Stanley club, bowls at the ‘Top Green’ and being vice-president of Bridgnorth Angling Society. He had also been an excellent swimmer and diver.
He was also a member of Chelmarsh Working Mens’ Club and of the former Bridgnorth Police Club.
He was a St John Ambulance instructor and sergeant and a driver for the local Mencap organisation.
Mr Foxall, who was born at Newton near the town, was employed as a gas fitter and engineer. He joined the Territorial Army in 1939 and went onto serve with the KSLI and the Royal Artillery before seeing service with the Gordon Highlanders in India and Burma.
Mr Foxall is survived by his wife, son Alan, daughter and son-in-law Jennifer and Peter Rogers and grandchildren Katie and Jeremy Rogers.
The funeral will be at St Leonard’s Church next Friday, June 4 (1pm) to be followed by burial at Tasley.
There are family flowers only, but donations can be made to the Bridgnorth Visually Impaired Group and the Macular Disease Society.