Patrons of a Farnham club have raised a glass in memory of a former president and “larger-than-life” character who served the town proud.
Douglas Shillito may have been a proud Yorkshireman, but he was a “proper” good fit for Farnham, gaining legendary status with both the Conservative Club and Lions during his five decades in the town.
And you could count on the insurer to give something back to his adopted home, be it handing out presents as the club’s Father Christmas or putting hands to the pump with Beerex and similar local projects.
Douglas was born in July 1939 in Leeds and attended the city’s grammar school before getting his two years national service in 1957 and serving in Aden. He wrote the newspaper for servicemen in the Middle Eastern outpost and was part of the radio service broadcasting team.
Douglas began a lifetime’s career in insurance after moving back to Blighty and later became chairman of the Chartered Insurance Institute’s Society of Fellows and its vice-president.
The joined the Wallasey Lions during a spell on The Wirral before transferring membership to the Farnham Lions in 1978 after moving to Surrey three years beforehand and joining the Ivy Lane Club.
He became one of its longest-serving members and held the post of club president and chairman at the town centre institution.
“Douglas was a larger-than-life character and was held in great esteem by all that knew him,” said the club in a statement to members.
“He was the ever-faithful club Father Christmas who would appear down the stairs with a sack of presents and wide grin.
“It was his claim to fame that he would make a visit to the club every day, where he loved to chew the fat with fellow members. He will be greatly missed.”
Those sentiments have been mirrored by his colleagues at Farnham Lions, who were looking forward to celebrating their 50th anniversary alongside one of their longest-serving members.
The “much-loved and active member” became president of Farnham Lions in 1984 while his “company, self-deprecating wit and sharp intellect” will be greatly missed at club meetings and events.
“Over the last 25 years he made the role of master of ceremonies his own,” said a spokesperson in highlighting Mr Shillito’s “desire and dedication” to ensuring the club’s stability and progress.
“Always encouraging, always supportive and always cheerful, Doug was amongst the first to volunteer to help at events and committees.
“He was known and befriended by many outside of Lions for his significant contribution to Farnham Beerex. He also volunteered to take on a number of roles for the wider Lions district and was also the national PR officer.”
Away from insurance and club meetings, the twice-married father-of-two was a keen sportsman with a penchant for cricket and football. He was also lifelong Leeds United supporter but also regularly cheered on Aldershot at The Rec.
Mr Shillito was 85 when he died peacefully at Frimley Park Hospital on January 11 with family close by. He will be missed.