Glowing tributes were today paid to a pillar of the community who spent a lifetime serving the people of his village.

WICKHAM MARKET: Glowing tributes were today paid to a pillar of the community who spent a lifetime serving the people of his village.

Percy William Mason, from Wickham Market, passed away earlier this month at the age of 92.

His family said he would be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.

Mr Mason was born in Stradbroke and joined the Royal Army Ordnance Corps in 1938, serving in Egypt and Greece.

He was captured in Crete in 1941 and forced to work in a prisoner of war camp on the banks of the River Elbe in Poland.

When he was released he returned to Suffolk and began working for WA Chitty's in Diss as an agricultural machinery salesman.

It was here that he met his wife Peggy, who turned 80 on Wednesday.

In 1952, the couple - who were married 59 years - moved to Wickham Market, where Mr Mason worked as a sales manager for Potters Farm Machinery.

He immersed himself in community life, serving on the parish council for 40 years and also becoming a member of the Deben Council and then Suffolk Coastal District Council for more than 30 years.

He was proud to be associated with developments including the village health centre, Lehman House and Kitson Court - residential accommodation for the elderly, the conversion of the Old Workhouse into Deben Court, re-routing the A12 around Wickham Market, the erection of the village sign and relocation of the war memorial.

Speaking on behalf of the whole family, his son, Andrew, said: “He achieved much in his 92 years and his legacy will live on. He has been an inspiration to all those who had the good fortune of knowing him. A perfect gentleman. He was a very popular man in the village.”

Denis Blooomfield, chairman of Suffolk County Royal British Legion (RBL), added: “Percy Mason served the Legion and ex-service community over many years with great commitment.

“He will be remembered for his unstinting work for the welfare of others, serving many years as chairman of the local RBL welfare committee. He was a great man who worked tirelessly for the benefit of others without seeking recognition himself.”

Mr Mason leaves his wife, Peggy, daughter Rowena, son Andrew, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Pay tribute to Mr Mason - e-mail starnews@eveningstar.co.uk