WELL known on the Island through his charity work, Bert Draper died on March 10 at Highfield Nursing Home.

He was born in Rookley but spent a lot of his childhood at Marks Corner, near Porchfield, playing with his brother and cousins.

He attended Barton School, becoming a 'Barton Bonehead' and enjoying meeting the others for lunch once a month.

He left the Island in the early 1950s to do his National Service with The Royal Artillery, serving in Rhyl and in Celle, Germany.

On completion, he returned to the Island, and in February, 1956, married his wife Ann at St Thomas’ Church, Newport.

Their daughter, also Ann, was born in December, 1960.

They enjoyed a happy and fulfilled 61 years of marriage.

Mr Draper was a long-standing member of The Royal British Legion. He became a member of the Newport branch in 1969, becoming branch chairman, then county chairman, rising to South Eastern area chairman and county vice-president.

He attended several functions with members of the royal family in his capacity as area chairman and was fortunate to be invited to one of the Queen's garden parties.

He was a long-standing part of the Poppy Appeal, having raised several thousand pounds over many years.

He took over from his father as chairman for The Royal Artillery Association, where he spent many years alongside his wife, who was chairman of the Ladies' Branch.

He was a great support of their welfare fund and for assisting where possible ex-military personnel and their families.

He was a keen historian and had previously given talks and slideshows to several charities and organisations, and was co-author of the published book A History of Newport Old and New.

He was a member and volunteer for the Wight Military and Heritage Museum and a volunteer and guide for The National Trust's Bembridge Fort.

He and his wife, who was very keen on military vehicles, joined the Military Vehicles' Trust and bought an ex-military jeep, then a one ton truck.

In his latter working years he was an insurance agent.

He leaves his daughter, grandson Adrian and great grandchildren.

He spent the last few months of his life at Highfield Nursing Home in Ryde, where his care was described by his family as outstanding.

A private service will be held at the Isle of Wight Crematorium.