He joined the Royal Air Force during 1940 and spent the next six years training and operating as an engine fitter, based in the United Kingdom.

During this period the Leading Aircraftsman developed an interest in music and became the drummer in the station dance band - an interest which he always retained.

He also became involved in organising entertainments.
Following demob from the RAF, Pat worked for a Sketchley the dry cleaners at Colchester, where he became branch manager.

In 1956 he met Irene who was to become his wife three years later, when living at Hemel Hempstead.

Irene had a daughter, Diane, by a previous marriage. Pat spent another 10 years working as a representative of a famous biscuit and cake manufacturer Chillonian, followed by a period as a school caretaker prior to moving to Hayling Island in 1981.

Both Pat and Irene had been loosely associated as volunteers with the Royal British Legion and the Royal Air Force Association for many years, and brought new life to both organisations, when they arrived on the Island.

Pat was the entertainments officer with the Legion for many years and served in virtually every capacity with the Island branch - from standard bearer and treasurer, to chairman and president for the past six years.

The post in which he excelled was as entertainments officer for the RAFA (his wife was the Wings Officer).

Between them they organised many dinner-dances namely at Christmas and in the spring, as well as to mark the Battle of Britain anniversary each September.

As if this wasn't enough, upon retirement in 1990, Pat applied for the post as lollipop man by the library, a job he did with panache.

He became extremely popular with the local schoolchildren and their mums as witnessed by the large contingent at Pat's funeral.

The hobbies that gave him great pleasure were his indoor and outdoor bowls at the Legion, and his gardening, of which he was extremely proud.

Sadly a few years ago Irene suffered a series of strokes and has become partially disabled, after which Pat become her carer forcing him to give up most of his voluntary work including his lollipop man duties.

He did remain as president of the RBLA however, attending all the meetings, greeting members and giving good advice.

Pat has attended numerous national and local events for the RBLA in various capacities over many years, but his proudest moment was when Diane received the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award at Buckingham Palace.

Diane and her husband Eric now live in California, but she was back beside her mother two days after Pat's sudden demise in February.

Pat spent his 88th birthday with his wife and RAFA friends on a week's break at the RAF Benevolent Fund Home at Rustington.

Pat will be remembered as a kind and gentle people person who always greeted you with a good word, smiling face and was always willing to help.

Following the church service at St Mary's, cremation took place at Portchester Crematorium on March 4.

Donations to RAF Benevolent Fund c/o Grady's.