Tributes paid to community 'stalwart' brigadier

Tributes have been paid to Brigadier Bruce Willing CBE

Tributes have been paid to Brigadier Bruce Willing CBE who passed away on Saturday.

Jersey Deanery said Mr Willing, who had been a member of Gouray Church, former secretary to the standing committee and lay member of the Deanery Synod, had a "wonderful sense of humour".

Jersey Joint Services Veterans Association also said Mr Willing and his wife were "great stalwarts of the local veteran community".

Very Reverend Michael Keirle said in a tribute he died "peacefully" and Mr Willing had been "unwell for some time with some complex long term illnesses".

"Bruce had a wonderful sense of humour, was a great enthusiast, incredibly stoical about his own suffering and was passionate about the Church of England in Jersey and its mission," said Reverend Keirle.

"He played a major role in helping the Island in its transition from Winchester Diocese to a safe harbour in Canterbury, during some difficult and challenging years for the Deanery.

"Our prayers are with Chris his wife, and their family."

The association said in a tribute on Facebook: "For those who knew Bruce he and his wife Christine were great stalwarts of the local Veteran Community with their work with the RBL, SSAFA and Royal Hampshire Regimental Association and Minden Club (Jersey), the JJSVA wishing to pass on our condolences."