RETIRED bank manager John Davies died on Monday, March 13, aged 91.
Born in Cardiff, he came to the Island when aged eight and was educated at the former King James Grammar School, in Lugley Street, Newport.
On leaving school, he joined the Ryde branch of Barclays Bank in 1942.
Apart from a period of over two years’ service with the Royal Hampshire Regiment, Mr Davies worked for Barclays for more than 40 years.
His career with the bank took him to seven different branches on the mainland. He became the manager of the West Southbourne branch, near Bournemouth, Dorset.
After four years in the post, Mr Davies returned to the Island and took over the Newport branch as its manager in April 1980.
He married Jean (nee Kingswell) in 1953. They had two children.
During his working life, he held many posts as treasurer, including at Newport Minster, where he regularly worshipped.
Upon retirement, he was appointed a tax commissioner and sat on the board of the Tax Commission’s IW panel.
He also served as chairman of the Island centre of the Institute of Bankers in its second year in the early 1980s.
Mr Davies was, for a long time, secretary of the Albany No 151 Lodge of Freemasons in Newport.
A keen sportsman, he played cricket, his passion. He played for Newport as a schoolboy and eventually for the full IW county side and several club sides on the mainland when he worked there.
Mr Davies also played golf at Shanklin and Sandown Golf Club and was its seniors captain in the late 1980s.
He was also a keen supporter of Southampton Football Club.
Mr Davies leaves his wife, son and daughter, six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
His funeral service will be held at Newport Minster at 11.30am on Thursday.