COLLEAGUES and friends have paid tribute to the vice-president of Imperial Charity, John Loftus, who died on 4th September, whilst undergoing treatment for cancer at a hospital in France.
Imperial Charity president David McCance said, “John was a person that would help anybody and was always there when you wanted him.
“There were many times during our association over the last 25 years that we had ‘words’. John wanted to do things his way, and me mine, but John nearly always won.
“He was truly a ‘man’s man’ portraying himself as a hard businessman, but underneath John was a very gentle person and would help anyone. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”
John, who took semi-retirement at his holiday home was diagnosed with cancer over a year ago, and was undergoing treatment at a hospital close to his home in France but sadly lost his battle. His wife and family were with him at his passing.
He served his time in the army as an engineer, then moved to Warminster in 1984 and started a house letting agency in George Street in the town.
In 1990 he helped set up Imperial Charity with David McCance. He also started the first Wiltshire County Show in 1996 with David. The show ended in 2005 due to inclement weather each year the event was held.
Imperial Charity, based in Westbury, works to help people with various kinds of special needs, including the elderly and disabled.
To find out more about the charity visit the shop on Warminster Road or go to www.imperialcharity.co.uk