TRIBUTES have been paid to a veteran who was instrumental in ensuring fallen servicemen and women are honoured in the region.

Tim Spearey, chairman of Sedgefield Village Veterans, died at his home in Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, on Wednesday, November 5, at the age of 65 following a short illness.

The grandfather-of-three helped launch the veterans’ group in 2005, while working as a neighbourhood warden in Sedgefield, County Durham.

Under his leadership, Sedgefield Village Veterans became a highly respected organisation, providing support and companionship for ex-servicemen and women and staging popular re-enactments and 1940s weekends.

From 2009, the veterans held repatriation services in honour of British troops killed in Afghanistan – a simple yet poignant act that led them to receive Durham County Council’s Chairman’s Medal.

Mr Spearey believed everyone who gave their lives in service should be honoured but was very humble when it came to his own distinguished military career.

His friend Colin Hewgill said: “Tim was a private person. He never really talked about his Army career or the medals he received. He was very modest in that way.”

Originally from Bristol, Mr Spearey joined the Army in 1968 and served with the 8/61st Gloucestershire Regiment for 22 years.

He was awarded four medals, including the prestigious British Empire Medal for his community work with youths in Northern Ireland.

After leaving the Army in 1991, Mr Spearey worked in security before taking on the neighbourhood warden post. He retired in January.

Aside from work and his role with the veterans’ group, he enjoyed walking and spending time with his children, Peter and Serena, and grandchildren, Jordan, Krystin and Paige.

He was devoted to the memory of his late wife, Carol, who died of cancer in 2006.

Peter Spearey, said: “We thought everything my mum and dad did was part and parcel of normal life. Sometimes it is not until you lose someone that you realise how exceptional they were.

“They were always there with open arms and warm hearts whenever we needed them.”

Serena Spearey, added: “My dad was very caring and it didn’t matter how much you messed up you could always turn to him for help. He would never tell you off.”

The funeral will take place at St John’s Church in Hipswell, near Catterick Garrison, on Friday, November 21, at 10.45am.