Noted sportsman who served in the RAF has died

John Clare, of Clarence Road, Windsor died at home on Thursday last week.

He lived in Tuns Lane, Slough as a child, where as a member of Slough Social Centre he was photographed demonstrating his woodwork to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

During the war he trained in Canada as a navigator, later being sent to India before returning to his job at ICI.

He was a keen member of Eton Excelsior Rowing Club and Windsor Rugby Club, meeting his wife Sheila at one of the club dances. They married at St Edward's Church in Alma Road on August 29, 1953.

After retiring from ICI John became a warden at Windsor Castle and a green coat at Ascot races, standing behind the queen when she presented trophies and manning the lift to the royal box.

His daughter Mary said: "It was on one of these occasions that he was permitted to speak with The Queen Mother and show her his photograph of her admiring his carpentry at Slough Social Centre over 60 years earlier."

He also loved sailing, mostly in the Solent but also in France.

He leaves Sheila, three granddaughters and three great granddaughters.

The funeral will be at St. Edward's Church, Alma Road, Windsor on Friday, August 16 at 2pm.