SCOUT leader and Newport Football Club stalwart, Don Woodford, has died aged 78.

Mr Woodford was born on February 16, 1943, in Newport ­— the third child of Alfred and Alice.

He grew up on the Island, where he met his future wife, Hazel, and the pair had three children — Dean, Peter, and the late David, who died in 2019.

They gave him six grandchildren ­— Sheonagh, Kyle, Wes, Abbie, Amy-Louise, Sophie, and great-grandchildren Kelsie and Tommy.

Mr Woodford spent most of his working life with British Telecom, and was very proud to work on a number of power boats at Souters in the late 1960s ­— later watching them compete in races in Cowes.

He was particularly proud to have worked on the 1968 winner, Telstar.

His sons remember, in future races she took part in, they always had to wait on the Parade in Cowes until Telstar returned safely.

Isle of Wight County Press: Don Woodford.

Mr Woodford finished his working life with vulnerable adults at Osel Enterprises, as always, giving back to the community.

At 13, he was was introduced to scouting by his best friend, Tony.

He joined the troop, 6th Newport, in 1956, and went to summer camp that year.

A year on, he'd been promoted to seconder, and by his second summer camp, he was a patrol leader of the Curlew Patrol.

Mr Woodford went on to become patrol leader of the senior patrol, and later a rover at 1st Carisbrooke Crew, becoming a full rover on his 18th birthday.

His sponsor when he joined the rovers was Geoff Cox, and it was with Geoff that he set-up the first cub pack at 6th Newport.

When he married, he moved to one of the Cowes Scout groups, then later retuned to Newport, becoming the first Scout leader of panther troop at 1st Newport.

Mr Woodford was also a long-term supporter of Newport Football Club.

At 11, he became the Island’s youngest linesman in the Island First Division.

Over the years he held many roles at the club, latterly hosting visiting match and club officials at St George’s Park.

He made a point to greet every Newport player at each match.

In 2000, he was among the founder members of the Wight Diamonds Marching Band, alongside his wife and three sons, playing cymbals.

In 2003, he joined the Trident Concert Band as a percussionist, creating musical effects using anything from sandpaper blocks to chains in jars.

Mr Woodford always enjoyed a quiz, and loved to take his quiz book to the pub and hold impromptu quizzes with staff and other customers at the bar.

When his lifelong friend was asked if he had any anecdotes to share, he said he didn’t want to get in trouble when the pair met again, and would keep the secrets they shared.

Mr Woodford's funeral will be held at St John’s Church at 12pm on Friday, July 23.

After a short service at the Isle of Wight Crematorium, the wake will be held at 1st Newport scout headquarters at Woodbine Close.