Tributes paid to 'community champion' and decorated Warsop Army veteran

Bill Power, who passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of 80 on March 2, was a well-known figure in his home town where he worked tirelessly to help foodbanks in the area.

He also had an illustrious career in the Army – his battalion was the first to enter Northern Ireland during the Troubles – and was awarded a British Empire medal for Gallantry.

News of his death has led to tributes from community leaders in Warsop and former Army colleagues, with people attending his funeral from across the country.

His wife Pauline said Bill devoted much of his life in retirement helping the community and spending time taking photographs on The Carrs .

“Not only have I lost my husband and best friend, but we have also lost a pillar of the community,” she said.

"Bill was proud of his Army roots and helped out in the community as much as he could.

"He visited his beloved Carrs and photographed the area which people really loved, especially during the past year when many couldn’t get out themselves.”

Paula Higginbottom and Val Spencer, of the Plough Inn, are spearheading a fundraising campaign to pay for a memorial bench to be installed on The Carrs later this year.

"His bench will be placed in the orchard, opposite the Cenotaph, which will be a fantastic tribute to him,” Pauline said.

"I know he will love the idea of that, especially on Remembrance Sunday, which was always such an important occasion for him.”

Warsop Parish Council has led the tributes locally to Bill, describing him as being at ‘the heart of Warsop’.

"Bill was a regular at parish council meetings and he was a champion for Warsop; especially regarding the War Memorial, and his beloved Carrs,” said the council.

"His daily updates of his visits to The Carrs brought joy to many people; especially those not able to venture out so easily.

“His heart was continually with those less fortunate, and he would always recognise and be grateful for the good things in his life – ‘the Boss’, his family, and of course those regular ‘cuppas.’

"Many of us felt we knew him because of the glimpses we had into his daily life, and he was a friend to all who met him.

“His work with the local Foodshare and the Veteran’s breakfast at The Plough helped countless people in need of a helping hand, and he will be sorely missed by our community.

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Pauline, and his family at this very difficult time – he will be missed.”

Tributes to Bill have also been made online, with Karen Hardy describing him as ‘one of Warsop’s own’.

She said: "You truly represented everything about the community spirit in Warsop, and we are poorer for your passing.”

As well as Pauline, Bill leaves step-children Catherine, Ruth and James, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild – who was born just minutes after his death.

MORE NEWS

Step back in time with these photos of Warsop in the 60s

21 pictures to make you feel nostalgic about the 70s in Warsop

A message from the editor:

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever.

Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper.

We stand together.

Ashley Booker, editor.