Goodbye to a community legend who touched the lives of many

Dave Jordan, of Shefford, died peacefully on Wednesday, January 21 while in Madeira. He fell ill while on a cruise around the Canary Islands with his daughter Lesley.

Born in 1931 in Durham, he was raised by Salvation Army Officer parents, who instilled a strong sense of community and desire to help those less fortunate in him.

He moved to Shefford in 1954 with his late wife Rita, and eldest daughter Linda. During the 60 years he lived in the town, his volunteering benefitted generations of families and left a lasting legacy.

Dave was a founding member of the Chums – the Scouting group that went on to become the Cubs. As an adult he became a Scout and Venture Scout leader, while his wife ran the local Cub pack.

Despite suffering breathing difficulties from birth, Dave was a keen cyclist and went on to compete as a member of the St Neots and District Cycling Club. He won many awards.

He also supported the town’s Over 60s club, helping to organise holidays and trips out, and volunteered at Woodlarks, a respite centre for youngsters with physical disabilities.

Dave also had a keen interest in environmental matters and was a tree warden, as well as supporting the development and serving as part of the working party that established Shefford’s Millennium Green.

He also initiated and coordinated the creation of the Shefford Quilt, which captured the history of the town and hung in Shefford Library.

Dave was also a member of the Carer’s Association, Civil Service Retirement Fellowship and supported church activities, manning the Daily Bread shop within St Michael and All Angels Church.

He was the Chronicle’s Town and Village News correspondent for some 30 years.

Last November he could also be seen walking the streets selling poppies for the Poppy Appeal.

He was recognised for this hard work with a Medal of Merit for Services to Scouting in Bedfordshire in 1998, the Mid Beds District Council Chairman’s Award for Citizenship in 1999, the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Adult & Young Person’s Citizenship Award in 2005, and the Diamond Champions Award in 2012, which was presented to him by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall at St James’ Palace.

On his 80th birthday, Dave produced a short memoir for his friends and family. In it he said he would “like to thank and credit the many people who have helped me over the years to enjoy a diverse and fulfilling life, full of activities and fun.”

Daughter Lesley said: “We give thanks for dad, all that he was, and all that he gave to all of us blessed enough to know him. He will be sorely missed.”

A service will be held at St Michael and All Angels Church, Shefford, at 2pm on Sunday. All are welcome.