Jack Dady, village historian, dies at 93

TRIBUTES have been paid to village historian Jack Dady who died on Thursday, aged 93. Fellow village historian Nigel Tilbury, operator of the village website, said: He could only ever be described as generous, kind, selfless, even-handed and forever jovi

TRIBUTES have been paid to village historian Jack Dady who died on Thursday, aged 93.

Fellow village historian Nigel Tilbury, operator of the village website, said: "He could only ever be described as generous, kind, selfless, even-handed and forever jovial. Jack was a gentleman, much respected and dearly loved and will be missed by all those who knew him."

Mr Dady, from Fenstanton, was author of Beyond Yesterday a history of Fenstanton. All proceeds from the book were distributed among groups in the community. It has been sold in America, New Zealand and Australia. He also wrote a history of Hilton and helped successive vicars of Fenstanton with parish records.

Martyn Saunders, churchwarden said: "He was a very diligent member of Fenstanton Parish Church congregation. He led a very distinguished life and was greatly respected by everyone. Right up to the end, he loved seeing his friends. He was always interested in people."

Mrs Saunders' wife, Joy added: "He was loved by the women who responded to his charm."

Mr Dady was born in St Ives and was an aeronautical engineer. He travelled the world and was director of engineering for Kuwait Airlines, retiring in 1978. He then returned with his wife, Elizabeth, to live in Fenstanton. He worked for several local charities, including the village hall and was a long-serving member of Fenstanton Parish Council retiring in 2001, aged 88.

Elizabeth died in 1998. They leave a son, Peter, daughter Pat and grandchildren, Andrew, Claire and William.

His daughter, Pat said: "He was a man of great wit, charm and honesty. He had total integrity. If he thought something was not right, he would fight it.

"He liked people and he liked listening to elderly people and when he became elderly that was reciprocated and younger people liked him.

"The last words he said to me were: 'You look 10 years younger than you should'."

A quiet, family funeral is being held at Cambridge Crematorium on Tuesday. His ashes will be put in Fenstanton parish churchyard next to those of his wife.

All friends are invited to a celebration of Jack Dady's life to be held at Fenstanton Parish Church on January 20 at 2.30pm. There is an on-line book of remembrance for Jack Dady at www.fenstanton-village.co.uk/jackdady