TRIBUTES have been paid to a man whose work has left his community with legacies which will last for many years.
John Edwards was 80, and has helped a wide range projects including care for bees to a major school rebuild.
His wife Pat, describing John’s life, said: “He was quite dynamic, you didn’t get half measures when he was doing something.”
John, of Hurst, was the driving force behind a £2.5m extension and refurbishment of the village’s 1843-built St Nicholas Primary School where he was a governor.
The new building, opened in 2012, meant a large new hall, indoor toilets for the first time in 169 years and six classrooms, all in one building. Previously, two classrooms were mobile ones.
Former borough councillor for Hurst, Wayne Smith, told a village hall gathering after John’s funeral: “Overseeing the school rebuild, John spent hours ensuring the contractors completed the works to the specification.”
When there were rumours the project might lose its potential funds he had worked with others to ensure the finance was there.
John led the way for new almshouses in Hinton Road, in his role as chair of Hurst Consolidated Charities. “We now have three amazing properties that will support residents for many years,” said Wayne.
“Hurst owes so much to John, he has touched so many associations and left an amazing set of legacies,” he added.
John was founder member and chairman for 25 years of Hurst Horse Show. It continues as Hurst Show and Country Fayre, raising funds for St Nicholas Primary and other good causes.
John obtained a Millennium grant to enlarge and modernise the village hall and a post-Millennium grant to reroof the kitchen and storage area. As H2K chairman he ran social events to raise money for the Millennium celebrations.
John was born in Thornton Heath. He became an apprentice engineer at Racal, Bracknell, where he met Pat, who was a telex operator, post girl and relief telephonist.
They married when John was 24 and Pat 20, and later moved to Hurst where they extended a small cottage, doing most of the work themselves.
Retiring from his work as a director in 2000, John later went on to complete an archaeology degree.
He helped encourage young beekeepers with Wokingham Beekeepers Association.
His love of cricket meant the Test Match Special theme was played at his funeral.
He also liked long-distance walks, bird watching and canal holidays.
As a youngster he was an air cadet. Last year he flew in a Second World War Hurricane from White Waltham.
He leaves two children, Jonathan and Claire, and four grandchildren.
