A SUFFOLK war veteran who was honoured with an MBE for more than 50 years' service to the Royal British Legion has died.Kenneth Wilding received the gong in the Queen's New Year's Honours List in 2004 for his dedication to the RBL, which saw him serve as chairman of the Kesgrave branch for half a century.

A SUFFOLK war veteran who was honoured with an MBE for more than 50 years' service to the Royal British Legion has died.

Kenneth Wilding received the gong in the Queen's New Year's Honours List in 2004 for his dedication to the RBL, which saw him serve as chairman of the Kesgrave branch for half a century.

Mr Wilding, of Deben Avenue, Martlesham, was also the poppy appeal organiser for the east of the county for 35 years and president of the Suffolk county legion for 14 years.

He died on Monday, aged 90.

Mr Wilding was also well known for his work with charity Age Concern, spending a decade as chairman of the regional group.

He was in the Royal Army Medical Corps field hygiene section during the Second World War, serving under Montgomery against Rommel, and seeing action in Italy and Palestine.

His daughter-in-law, Pauline today paid tribute to Mr Wilding, describing him as a “real gentleman”.

She said: “He always put other people first - he was service before self.

“I knew him for 35 years and we never had a cross word. He treated me like a daughter which I truly appreciated.

“He was not a material man, people and his charity work meant much more to him.

“He was so proud when he received his MBE at Buckingham Palace.

“He looked after his wife for 16 years when she became ill and he never grumbled once, he was marvellous.”

Originally from Woodbridge, Mr Wilding moved to Martlesham when he married and worked as a surveyor for Suffolk Coastal District Council.

A keen yachtsman, he was president of Woodbridge Regatta and was a familiar face on the River Deben.

Mr Wilding leaves a son and a daughter, David and Daphne Jacobs, three grandchildren and four great grandsons.

His funeral will be held at St Michael's Church in Martlesham Heath at a date to be confirmed.

Would you like to pay tribute to Kenneth Wilding? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk