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Absent Friends |
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John Kilby CHX 4861 |
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It is with much sadness that the
Exeter Branch RMA have to report the death of their loyal and
devoted Standard Bearer, JOHN KILBY, who passed away age 79, after a
year long battle with cancer on 15th September in Exeter. It proved
fitting that John passed away whilst being visited by Ron Crabb, the
Branch welfare representative on one of his many visits.
John had been the proud Standard Bearer for the Exeter Branch RMA
for many years, who would voluntary parade the Standard at every
opportunity, not just for RMA members, but for all who requested it.
He had been presented with ‘Life Membership’ by the then Branch
President, General Sir Michael Wilkins at Government House in
Guernsey in recognition of his outstanding devotion to duty by
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parading the Standard at
numerous events such as Warriors Day in Canada, RMA 50th
Anniversary,Graspan Parades, Spean Bridge, Royal Tournament,
to name but a few.
Besides being a proud and enthusiastic committee member and Standard
Bearer, John was also a stalwart member, and keen supporter of the
Exeter White Ensign Club.
John Kilby CHX 4861 joined the Royal Marines in 1946, and served for
twelve years, finally leaving the Corps in 1958. In 1948 he was
serving in 40 Commando in Palestine, which had the distinction of
covering the final British withdrawal by being the last unit to
leave the dockside at Haifa in the LST HMS Striker on 30th June
1948. He then went on to see active service in Malaya, and in the
Canal Zone in Egypt.
John’s funeral service was held at Exeter Crematorium on 25th
September 2008, attended by family members from Cambridge and
Exeter, and by a large muster of RMA, and White Ensign members from
across the West Country, when four Standards had been on parade,
testifying to the high regard in which he was held.
A proud Royal Marine who will be sadly missed – gone, but not
forgotten. |
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