From the monthly digital BV, sharing announcements of recent deaths in Dorset – death notices, funeral notices, In Memoriams and obituaries. We now offer an entirely FREE service for all death notices – add your own here.
You can find all the BV featured obituaries here
In Memoriam
Elio Lopez
No Suitcase
Dad left home without his suitcase.
One dull and sunless day.
Quietly with soothing wings did he slip away through that portal invisible.
We his family left behind.
Memories aloud, laughter and fun, sighs, a joke.
The calm of wisdom given with love over time.
Gone to re-join your loved ones there, awaiting the day we leave our suitcases behind.
In Loving Memory of a dear Husband and Father, 6th April 2014.
Hugely missed by many.
VALTERIS Beryl Emily Annie. (Nee Brown) Aged 95
Passed away peacefully at Dorset County Hospital on 16th March 2022.
Loving wife of the late Francis and mother to twin sons Peter and Paul and daughter in law’s Leesa and Catherine.
Born in Charlton Musgrove but lived in Blandford for over 70 years.
Much loved and will be sadly missed.
Cremation to take place at Salisbury Crematorium on Monday 11 April 2022 at 11am.
No flowers but donations if desired to Cancer Research UK c/o Colin J Close Funeral Directors, Peel Close, Salisbury Road, Blandford, DT11 7JU.
In Memoriam
Martin Cowan
Thinking of you on your 42nd birthday on 27th March. Taken from us 21 years ago on 20th april 2001.
In our hearts and minds and forever 21.
Love from Mum, Ken and all the family xx
Peter Liven
Passed away peacefully at home on the 22nd March 2022 aged 83.
Surrounded by his family and loved ones.
Your life was our blessing, and you shall never be forgotten xx
Ken Wood
Passed away peacefully on the 18th March 2022 aged 75.
Much loved Husband, Father and Grandpa.
Sheila Selby
In Memoriam
They say time is a great healer but it still hurts, missing you very much. Life is not the same without you. Love from your Daughter Carly, son Jack and your Husband Brian.
Brenda Deiley
Peacefully in hospital on 20th January 2022 aged 86 years.
Dearly loved wife of the late Eric and very much loved mum of Lydia and Mark.
Funeral Service and Interment at St Mary Cemetery on Thursday 10th February at 11.00am. Would family and friends please meet at cemetery. Family flowers only.
Donations in lieu if desired to the RSPCA & Cats Protection
Michael Purtel
Aged 79 years, pecefully on 14th January.
Beloved husband of the late Jenn, loving father of Graham and Melonie.
Private service Family Flowers only please.
Donations if desired to the Alzheimer’s Society
Gladys Dennerd
Peacefully at home on 3rd January 2022 with her daughter and sons by her side, Gladys aged 92 years.
Beloved wife of the late Jim, much loved mum of Helen, William and Peter. Devoted nan and Great Nan.
Sadly Missed By all who knew and loved her.
A private funeral will take place on the 18th January.
Donations to the Alzheimer’s Society are greatfully accepted in Gladys’ memory.
Laurence Dowel
Aged 84 years, passed away 28th December 2021 after a long illness at home, surrounded by his family.
Greatly missed by his wife Margaret and all his family.
Private service and cremation Family Flowers only please.
Donations to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.
Madeline Ethel de Ruyter
Of Barnaby Mill, Gillingham (previously Wincanton & Streatham London.
Passed away peacefully on 4th December 2021 aged 90 years.
A much loved Mum, Grandma and Great Grandma.
Funeral service to be held at Yeovil Crematorium on Friday 7th January 2022 at 2 pm. Family flowers only please.
To make an online donation in memory of Madeline please visit her Tribute site at: www.funeralcare.co.uk/tributes-and-donations or, send a cheque made payable to ‘Dorset Air Ambulance’ to Cooperative Funeralcare, 2 High Street, Gillingham SP8 4QT
Jonathan White
23/11/55-27/11/21
Much loved husband, father, son & friend, sadly passed away peacefully at home on 27th November 2021.
His funeral service will be held at 12.30pm on 10th December at Poole Crematorium.
Donations, if desired, in memory of Jonathan to Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance.
Pam Hillier
Passed away peacefully, on 23rd November 2021
A much loved Mum, Nan and Sister
Service to be held at: St Mary’s Church, Gillingham on 21st December at 2 pm.
Family flowers only.
The family requests bright colours rather than black to be worn to celebrate the life of Pam.
To make an online donation in memory of Pam please visit her Tribute site at: www.funeralcare.co.uk/tributes-and-donations
Or send cheque made payable to Cancer Research UK or, Altzheimers Society c/o
Co-operative Funeralcare, 2 High Street, Gillingham,
Dorset, SP8 4QT
Elizabeth Murphy
Passed away peacefully on the 16/11/2021
Wife to Dereck, Mum to David, Graham, Michael, Mary and Leo, and many Grandchildren and great GandChildren.
Greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Family flowers only.
Donations if desired to Dementia UK
Martin Cowan (Marv)
In Memoriam
Another Christmas and another New Year without you here, forever in our hearts and minds.
Love from Mum, Ken and all the family xx
Patricia Olive Caswell
Passed away peacefully at Yeovil Hospital on 24th September 2021 aged 80 years.
Funeral service will take place at Yeovil crematorium on Wednesday 27th October at 10.40am.
For further enquiries please contact GH Cook & Son 8-11 Bond Street Yeovil BA20 1PE
Brenda Kathleen Baker
Of Sturminster Newton
Much loved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on 16 September at the age of 92.
The funeral will take place at St Mary’s Church Sturminster Newton on 9 October at 11am.
Family flowers only thank you and donations, if desired, can be sent to Peter Jackson Funeral Director Henstridge, in aid of Sherborne Branch RNLI or Julia’s House.
Jill Valerie MacCallum
Passed away peacefully at Dorchester Hospital on 25th September 2021 aged 84 years.
Beloved sister, auntie & friend. will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Funeral service will take place at Yeovil crematorium on Friday 15th october at 10.40am
The family request that no black is to be worn, bright happy colours only please.
Family flowers only please, but donations in Jill’s name are being invited in aid of the Dorset Air Ambulance & Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary.
Please send cheques to GH Cook & Son 8 – 11 Bond Street Yeovil BA20 1PE
Graham John Richmond
Of Sturminster Newton
07.04.42 – 25.09.21
Fond happy memories of a brother, uncle and friend.
A lovely man with a great sense of humour; he will be sorely missed by his sisterJane Evans, nieces Libby Evans, and Philippa and Darrin Curtis.
(NZ family)
Maureen Elizabeth Gilb
23th April 1942 – 19th September 2021
Passed away unexpectedly. Re-united with Husband Roy.
Much loved Mum to Jane and Lisa, Mother in Law to Brian and Michael and a loving Nanna to Eliza and Charlie.
A private family funeral has been held
Donations if desired to Pancreatic Cancer UK.
Josephine Evans
Sadly passed away on 13th September2021.
Much loved wife, mum, daughter, sister, aunt and friend.
A private family funeral
Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of Josie if desired to Dorset MIND.
Vernon Eeles
Passed away peacefully at Salisbury District Hospital on 25th August 2021 aged 85.
Husband to Janet, father to Vivienne and Vanessa.
Funeral to be held at Salisbury Crematorium Tuesday 14th Sep at 3pm. Anyone who knew his are welcome, family flowers only and donations to Wiltshire Air ambulance if desired.
Gerry Cook
Husband to Caroline, and father to Stephen and Annabel, died at home in Mere on 22 August.
Short service at Salisbury Crematorium at 1300 on 9th September. Please contact Caroline if you wish to attend or view the livestream.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to Salisbury Hospice Charity: Contact them via www.salisburyhospicecharity.org.uk/get-involved/make-a-donation or on 01722 416 353.
DORIS MONTEFORD
Peacefully passed away on 16th August 2021 Aged 92
With her loving daughters, son and son in law by her side.
Doris will be sadly missed by her loving family and dear friends.
Forever in our hearts
Ian Gelland
On the 15th August 2021, aged 79 years
Much loved husband of Carole, beloved father of Ellen and Clair.
Private family funera. Any donations to the Dorset Air Ambulance
Jackie Rainbird
On 30th July peacefully at home in Sherborne
aged 76 years.
A much loved mum to Jo, mum in law to John, a dear sister to Gwen and
a friend to so many.
Funeral service at Yeovil Crematorium on Thursday 19th August at 12.40pm.
Due to the current restrictions in place please can you contact the family or funeral director if you wish to attend.
Family flowers only.
Donations in Jackie’s memory of either Weldmar or Marie Curie may be sent c/o
Stoodley & Son, The Park, George Shopping Centre, Crewkerne. Tel. 01460 73229 or online at www.stoodleyandson.co.uk
Ian Taiber
Aged 87 years
Peacefully at home on the 19th July 2021
Much loved Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather
May he be lifted up unto the Lord
Donations if desired to Dorset Mind
Jan Rutter – Memorial
Jan passed in February 2021
A memorial will be held on Saturday, 14th August at 2.30pm at the Quaker Meeting House, Abbey Walk, Shaftesbury.
All are welcome.
Please contact – rutterfamily@hotmail.com if you hope to attend.
MONTGOMERY Archibald John (Archie)
Aged 63 years of North Cadbury
On 17th July 2021, peacefully at home.
Much loved husband of Janet, father of Clara, John and Rory.
Thanksgiving service at St Michael’s Church, North Cadbury on Thursday 5th August at 2pm.
No flowers please but donations if desired to Cancer Research, St Margaret’s Hospice or RABI. C/O Harold F. Miles, South Cadbury, BA227ES, 01963 440367.
Ronald George Peet
Ron passed peacefully away on 10th June 2021 in Hull Royal Infirmary, surrounded by his wife, Eileen, son Rod and daughter Nicola.
They will miss him so much as will his six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
We lived for many years in Gillingham and Wincanton and only moved to Yorkshire to be nearer to our family.
The funeral will be at St Mary’s Church, Hook, Nr Goole on Tuesday,6th July.
Family Flowers only.
Donations in lieu will be gratefully received via the Undertakers- A Fletcher and Sons 31 Edinburgh Street Goole DN14 5EH. For The Royal British Legion or to Blood Cancer UK.
Messages may be sent to Eileen at peet24@btinternet.com
David John Laker
Passed away peacefully at St Denis Lodge on 10th June 2021 aged 83 years.
Beloved husband, dad and Pops. Will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Donations, if desired, in memory of David for the charities that supported him https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/davidlaker
Private funeral service.
May he rest in peace.
Guy Smallwood
Died peacefully on Tuesday 15th June 2021 aged 86.
Beloved husband to Valerie, adored father to Kate, Emma and Edward and loving grandpa to Cameron, Casey, Callum, Jasper and Fiora.
Private family funeral.
Melanie Audrey Illingworth
Passed away peacefully on Sunday 6th June.
Beloved Mum to Marc and Gemma, adored Nanny to Phoebe and Harvey, and sister to Trudy and Richard.
She will be very sadly missed by all her family and friends.
Melanie’s funeral is by family invitation only.
For Melanie’s Book of Remembrance or to make a charitable donation in her name please see:
www.tapperfuneralservice.co.uk/tapper/funeral-search
Maureen Harty
Passed away suddenly, with family by her side, on May 1st 2021, aged 87 years.
Devoted Wife to Gene. Dearly loved Mother to Paul, Michael and Barry. Devoted Gran and Great Grandmother. Much loved Sister and Aunty. ‘Always in our thoughts, forever in our hearts’
A private family funeral has already taken place.
James Lawrence
Known affectionately as ‘Jimbo’, died peacefully on the 8th May s
He will be missed greatly for his ability to ‘live in the moment’ and gentle humanity.
A private cremation will be held. Any donations to the South West Air Ambulance Please.
Sandra McArte
Peacefully, on 19th May 2021
Dearly loved wife of Alan, loving mum of Christime and Louise, loving daughter of Annie and the late John McArte and sister of Jean, Peter and the late Francis.
In line with government restrictions a private funeral service will be held on Thursday 3rd June
Malcolm Cooper
Aged 79 who sadly passed away at home on the 10th May 2021.
He loved his Camping holidays and his dogs. And was a keen photographer. He will be sadly missed.
Private funeral has already taken place.
Donations to Macmillan Cancer Support
Pamela Johnson
Our much loved mother Pamela Johnson of Sturminster Newton passed away peacefully on Thursday 13 May 2021
Robert Montague Frith 16th June 1944 – 11th April 2021
It is with great sadness that the family of Robert Frith announce his sudden and untimely death. A wonderful family man and successful businessman, a man of great humour, integrity and loyalty, Robert had an enormous passion for life and lived life to the full until his last breath.
To see the full obituary please click here
Ann Sutton
Died peacefully on 18th April aged 96.
Much loved wife of the late Cdr Dick Sutton RN. Loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
Private funeral.
Donations to Parkinsons UK via www.grassby-funeral.co.uk
A.K. Loveridge (Knocker)
Of Spider Farm, Sturminster Newton. Aged 77.
Loved brother of Stella (deceased) Ken, and Ruth (Australia)
You lived life to the full, never a dull moment. At peace with Pam.
Sympathies to Steven, Andrew and families.
Alan John Sargent
Of Sherborne, formally of Holnest Lodge, passed away peacefully at Yeovil District Hospital 22nd April 2021, aged 88.
Loving husband to Peggy, devoted father to Paul, David & Lynda, doting Grandfather & Great Grandfather.
Family flowers only please, but if you wish to make a donation in lieu, please send a cheque made payable to Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance directly to Funeral Director C/O Stuart Foster Funeral Services Ltd, 27 Market Street, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 1HZ 01935 508971
Death of much-loved Stalbridge ex-teacher Pam Roberts
Many ex-pupils of St Mary’s Primary School will be saddened by the death of ex-head teacher Pam Roxburgh (née Roberts) who died early last month in Blandford Hospital.
As ‘Miss Roberts,’ Pam taught at Stalbridge for in the 1970s before being appointed head of a primary school in Cornwall. She returned to Stalbridge as head of St Mary’s.
For the full oblituary please read here
Michael Deek
Remembering Mike, a dear husband, father and grandfather, died March 19, 2021.
Always remembered. – Much Love, Margaret, Sheila, Petra, Neil and families
Paul John Deram
Died peacefully at home on 10th March aged 78
Will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Funeral has already taken place. Donations please to the MacMillan Trust
A Life Remembered
In Memoriam
Paul Leatham
1st April 1993
Remembering a kind husband and dad who left us so suddenly
With Love
Jan, sons and family
Adrian Cox
Of Bourton passed away peacefully at home on 26th February 2021, surrounded by his family.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
The family requests that a donation be made to Salisbury Hospice Charity via https://adriancox.muchloved.com/ in lieu of flowers.
Many thanks.
27/03/1980 – Martin Cowan (Marv)
In Memoriam
Today you should be 41 but in our hearts and minds you remain forever 21.
Love from Mum, Ken & all the family xxx
Mrs.Sheila Booley
Passed away in Salisbury Hospital on 13th January 2021 at the age of 92.
She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, especially her son and daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
The funeral was held at Yeovil crematorium and was attended by immediate family only.
A webcast was recorded. Many thanks to all involved in the funeral preparations.
Sheelah Mary Turner
Passed away on 12th February at Shaftesbury’s Westminster Memorial Hospital aged 95.
Adored by everyone who knew her, and a much loved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Great-Great-Grandmother, Aunt and Great Aunt.
Private cremation only due to covid restrictions. Enquiries to Merefield & Henstridge Funeral Directors Tel: 01747 853532
Phyllis Caroline Rose Smart
Formally of The Yews Mere
Passed away peacefully on 26th January 2021at Watersmead Care Home in Westbury Wiltshire Aged 96
Much loved Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother
Private Service to be held at the West Wiltshire Crematorium. Donations if desired to The British Heart foundation Via L C Hill & Son Funeral Directors website Tribute Page
Sylvia Spooner
Regular readers will remember original Blenheim girl Sylvia Spooner’s 100th birthday just a few months ago.
It was with sadness that I heard from her son Edward this week that Sylvia had passed peacefully at home:
Sylvia Spooner (née Blest) passed away peacefully in her 101st year on Sunday, January 31st in Blandford.
The family thank the exceptional staff at Whitecliffe House Nursing and Residential Care Home for caring for Sylvia over the last two years and, in particular, the care and nursing professionals who kept her company last Sunday morning.
For the full obituary please click here
Hannam, Susan Margaret
Died peacefully at home on Monday 1st February aged 91. Wife of the late Ernest W Hannam.
In accordance with her wishes no funeral service.
Simon John Hatcher
Passed away at home on 15th January 2021 aged 57.
Much loved son, dad, grandad and friend.
Taken from us too soon but always in our hearts.
Scramble ace ‘Badger’ Goss dies aged 80
by Roger Guttridge
Tributes have been pouring onto social media following the death on January 6 of Blackmore Vale motocross legend Bryan ‘Badger’ Goss. He was 80.
Bryan was born at Yetminster on September 11, 1940 – during the Battle of Britain, hence his middle name, Winston, after wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
.. [see Bryan ‘Badger’ Goss’ full obituary in the January issue of the Blackmore Vale magazine here]
Brian Stanley King passed away peacefully at Salisbury District Hospital on 2nd January 2021.
A funeral service to be held at Yeovil Crematorium on Tuesday 2nd February 2021
If you would like to pay your respects to Brian the funeral cortege will be driving through Mere Town Centre around 9.30am
Harry Keindle
In loving memory of our father who passed away peacefully on the 28th october 2020.
Forever in ou thoughts. Gone but not forgotten.
With all our love forever.
Barry, Sally, Margaret, Peter and Lucy.
Mark Goodlow
After a short illness passed away on the 2nd November
A private family funeral has already taken place.
The family would like to thank everybody for their kind messages.
Any donations to macmillan Cancer support. Thank you
Josephine ‘Josie’ Peeler
Passed away very suddenly on November 8th 2020 aged 57.
Much adored and devoted mum to Tilly and Noah. Dearly loved and loving daughter to helen and the late Stephen. Much loved sister and best friend to Melanie.
Always with us.
The family are thankful for the thoughts and messages reveived.
James Wardle
In loving memory of our dear friend James.Loved by all and gone far too soon.
Our treasured memories with you, will last a lifetime through.
Rest now there is no more work to do.
Our love
Trina, Dave, Michael and Sue
Moira Robberts
In loving memory of Moira (Bett’s ) Robberts who passed away peacefully on the 23rd October 2020.
Much loved wife and best friend of John. Loving mum to ellie and Ian and mother-in-law to Bruce and Emma. A very proud granny and great granny.
Will be sadly and very much missed by all who knew her.
Funeral service has taken place in private due to the current restrictions.
Elsie Bannard Passed away quietly and peacefully in her sleep on the 23rd Octoboer 2020 aged 88 years
Much loved mum and grandmother. Always in our hearts.
Sleep well.
All our love June, Ina, Brett, Alan and Lizzie.
A private cremation has already taken place
Penny Mott died peacefully at home on 10th December 2020.
Much loved mother of Sarah and Catherine and grandmother of George, Isobel, Fergus and Daisy.
Tributes to Ray Humphries – “one of Shaftesbury’s finest”
by Fanny Charles
The streets of Shaftesbury were packed with people who turned out to pay their respects to one of the town’s best-loved residents, “Mr Shaftesbury,” as many called him, Ray Humphries MBE, who died on 24th October.
Owing to Covid-19 restrictions, the funeral on 10th November was a private family service, but the cortege passed through the High Street, stopping at the Town Hall, where Shaftesbury Silver Band played a tribute to Ray, a long-standing member who played the side drum.
To see the full obituary click here
Martin Cowan
In Memoriam
Another year over, the worst one yet without friends and family and missing you so much. Thinking of you this Christmas time, the 20th one where you’re not here.
Love forever,
Mum, Ken, Michelle, Dave, Chloe, Liam, Holly, James and Elena xx
The Blackmore Vale Magazine Death Notices & In Memoriam
Local Equestrian Community mourns the passing of Pat Burgess MBE
by Laura Hitchcock
Warmth and love radiates from the countless messages and memories being shared for renowned Wilton RDA teacher Pat Burgess, who sadly passed away peacefully on 4th November at home with her family by her side.
Born and raised in South Africa, she emigrated to England in 1964, and when injury forced a stop to her own show jumping career, Pat turned to teaching.
To see the full obituary click here
In Memoriam: Pauline Barbara Stockford of Blandford, left this world on 15th June 2020 aged 89. Wife of Colin for 59 years and mother of Gemma, Dominic, Clemency and Felicity, Grandmother and Great Grandmother.
Greta May Bright of Hazelbury Bryan Died 6 October aged 90 after a short illness. Funeral was 21 October at Ham Down Woodland Burial Ground. Donations in lieu of flowers to Rainforest Concern or via Peter Jackson Funeral Services
James Anthony (Tony) Bonnell, former headmaster at Stower Provost school, died peacefully at home on 26th September, aged 91.
A family burial service was taken by Rev. Philippa Sargent on 6th October at the Woodland Burial Ground, Shillingstone. A thanksgiving service, to celebrate Tony’s life, will be held next summer in Hinton St Mary church. The family are thankful for the care provided, and the thoughts and messages received.
Herbert Cradock of Evercreech, passed away suddenly on 6th October 2020 aged 86 years.
Dearly beloved husband of the late Dawn, a loving dad, grandpa and great grandpa. Private family funeral due to Covid 19 restrictions. Donations, if desired made payable to Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance may be forwarded to; Trotman Funeral Directors, Ashdene, Cranmore, Shepton Mallet BA4 4QQ.
The Blackmore Vale Magazine Death Notices
Loving son and father, Kieran Scanlan, sadly died at his home on Sunday 13th September. The family would like to thank everybody for their kind messages at this sad time.
Obituary:
Eileen (AKA Penny) Margaret White of Templecombe, Somerset – 92 years
Her sons, John and Robert, are heartbroken to announce their mother’s death in her bungalow on 2nd September 2020.
To see the full obituary click here
Michael John Head – Photographer of Distinction
Passed away peacefully in Tisbury on Monday 7th September 2020.
Trevor Marpole
Landlord of the Gaggle of Geese, Buckland Newton 1987 -2005
Passed away peacefully on 18th august 2020 aged 78 years
Pete Dorey
Sadly passed away on 1st September 2020
Stanley Trowbridge
Died peacefully on 16th July 2020 aged 88
Blackmore Vale Magazine
Death Notices
Be sure to subscribe to receive every issue here, or simply see the latest Blackmore Vale still being published here.