Trafford News
Harry Scholar had leading roles with groups including Altrincham Court Leett and Altrincham and Bowdon Civic Society
9:25am Wednesday 22nd February 2012
TRIBUTES have been paid to Altrincham resident Harry Scholar, who has died at the age of 87 after a lifetime of community work.
He threw himself into community activities after his job, in insurance, brought him to Altrincham 55 years ago.
Although not born in the town, he was "more of an Altrincham person than anyone I know," according to the Rev Michael Hepworth, the chaplain of Altrincham Court Leet.
Harry's host of roles included serving on Altrincham Council and, later, on Trafford Council.
He was a school governor for Wellington School and Broadheath Primary, and a leading light of Altrincham and Bowdon Civic Society and Altrincham Court Leet, and an active member of the RAF Association.
He also served in the Special Constabulary.
The leader of Trafford Council, Cllr Matt Colledge, said: "Harry was one of those increasingly rare people who gave so much of himself for the local community, even latterly when his health was fading.
"He worked tirelessly as a Timperley Conservative councillor in the 1990s, as a school governor and contributor to a number of local community groups as well as his work with the RAF Association.
"A gentle and intelligent community focused man has left us and we are poorer for it."
He was born in Walthamstow and lied about his age to join the RAF as a leading aircraftman at just 16-years-old.
He served in Africa and Italy and it was while serving in Tel Aviv that he met his future wife Joan, who was also in the RAF.
The couple were married for 65 years and Joan survives him.The couple had three children, two sons, Richard and Andrew, and a daughter, Patricia. They also had grandchildren and great grandchildren.
David Eastwood, the acting provost of Altrincham Court Leet, said: "He was a friend to all and will be sadly missed."
Judie Collins, who succeeded him as chairman of Altrincham and Bowdon Civic Society, said: "He was very active right to the end, playing a major part in moving along the refurbishment of Station Buildings and at Christmas determined that a wreath should be laid in memory of the civilians killed in World War Two in Altrincham.
"No one ever had a bad word to say about Harry, everyone knew him. His family and the community should be rightly proud."
Peter Noble, also a former chairman of the civic society, said: "Harry was for many years my vice chairman and when I stepped aside he took the chair.
"He gave so much time to Altrincham and was a great society leader. He was able to draw on his vast local knowledge and his vast knowledge of the workings of local government. An irreplaceable pillar of the society who will be much missed."
The funeral will be held at Altrincham Crematorium at 11am today (Wednesday).