Felixstowe: Community in mourning after death of hard-working volunteer Roy Yates

TRIBUTES have been paid to a man who gave sterling service to his community, including working with the town’s premier youth project.

Roy Yates, 77, who died suddenly last week, was business manager and company secretary for the Level Two scheme, which has been working in Felixstowe with youngsters aged 11 to 19 for the past decade.

He had served as a volunteer for eight years and was well respected for his work and commitment to the management team.

Mr Yates was also a member of the Trinity Methodist Church, Hamilton Road, Felixstowe, taking part in many of its activities, including as a volunteer helper at children’s holiday clubs and Sunday school.

Earlier this year he received a Felixstowe Mayor’s Award to mark his outstanding service to the community.

Members of Felixstowe Town Council held a minute’s silence in his memory.

Mayor Mike Deacon, who is supporting Level Two as one of his chosen charities for his year in office, said: “I am shocked and saddened by Roy’s death. He was a very quiet and dedicated man who achieved a lot for our town and will be sadly missed.”

Rev David Kemble, of Trinity Methodist Church, said Mr Yates had shown “enthusiasm and quiet resolve” in the projects he worked on.

A funeral service was held at the Seven Hills Crematorium, Nacton, followed by a Celebration Service at Trinity Methodist.