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 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.