Wife pays tribute to Brian Papworth (81)

The wife of well-known Louth man Brian Papworth, who spent almost half a century volunteering for the local branch of the Royal British Legion, has paid tribute to her husband following his sudden death last month.

Mr Papworth sadly died at Lincoln County Hospital on February 26 - his 81st birthday - following a stroke.

His wife, Mary, said that Brian was a ‘Louth man through and through’, and was well known and loved by all.

She said that Brian worked at Masons all his life after leaving school at 16, except for two years of national service, and that he became treasurer of the Louth Royal British Legion - despite knowing very little about the organisation - after his boss invited him to a branch meeting when Brian was in his thirties.

He went on to spend 49 years in the role, and also became the area’s Poppy Appeal organiser for the last 10 years - so it’s no surprise that his wife describes him as a ‘stickler’ who would dedicate himself to his voluntary work.

Mary said: “Brian was very loyal and did his best at whatever he got involved in.

“He was heavily involved in local sports teams, and was governor of three schools.

“He was a Louth man through and through, and he always shopped local and supported local business.”

Mary added: “People loved and respected Brian, but did I appreciate how well loved he was? I’ve been absolutely awed by the reaction to his death.”

Mary said she has received over 120 ‘beautiful’ cards and letters since Brian’s passing.

She also praised Lincoln County Hospital for the ‘excellent’ care they provided to her husband, both when he suffered with sepsis two years ago, and when he passed away.

She said: “Hospitals tend to get so much criticism these days, but the care they gave Brian was second to none.”

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