Cheltenham RAF Marshal was 'huge force of inner strength'

Air Vice Marshal Tony Mason and his wife Margaret Mason, who died in March

Tributes have been paid to a retired Royal Air Force marshal who has died at the age of 91.

Air Vice Marshal Tony Mason passed away while watching the Remembrance service on Sunday at his care home in Richmond Village, Cheltenham.

Originally from Yorkshire, he became the RAF's first director of defence studies in the 1970s.

Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, Edward Gillespie, said he was a "huge force of inner strength".

His wife Margaret Mason, who he was married to for 65 years, died in March. They had two daughters, a grandson and two great-grandchildren.

Lord Lieutenant Gillespie said AVM Mason had an "inquisitive" mind

In 2002, AVM Mason was commissioned as deputy Lieutenant to the Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire.

"He had real presence, he was so well organised. Particularly, I was so struck by his strategic thinking," said Mr Gillespie.

"He had a real inquisitive mind. He was a force of inner strength and he was a huge benefit to this town," he added.

Mr Gillespie said he would continue to be celebrated for his link with the aircraft industry.

Sir Dusty Miller said AVM Mason and Mrs Mason welcomed him into the Cheltenham community

Air Marshal Sir Dusty Miller first met AVM Mason when he retired from the RAF. He said he was aware of AVM Mason's presence and influence during his time in service.

"I was just starting my career as a young apprentice at the time when Tony was a squadron leader and by the time I finished my apprenticeship he was a wing commander," said Sir Miller.

Sir Miller said AVM Mason left behind a legacy of being at the fore of the development of education in the RAF.

"His lasting legacy for the community was that Tony was exceptionally kind. He was very generous with his time. And if there was a need out there that somebody had to attend to, Tony would do that."

A funeral will be held for AVM Mason on 28 November at St Nicholas Church in Cheltenham.