“INSPIRATIONAL gentleman” John Laidlaw passed away peacefully on June 22 at the age of 85.

Educated at King's Schools, Ottery St Mary and the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Crediton, John served in the Fleet Air Arm during the Second World War.

When his father tragically passed away, after being struck by a ball during a village cricket match, John helped run the family business in Fenny Bridges, Devon.

Living in Shepton Mallet for much of his early life, he could see the Glastonbury Tor from his home and took part in archaeological digs with Sir Mortimer Wheeler. Later he moved to Corfe Mullen and then Stapehill.

John was politically active in Somerset and Sussex, becoming the senior political agent for the Conservative Party in Dorset.

He was agent for the late Sir Nicholas Baker MP in the North Dorset constituency, Bryan Cassidy MEP in the former Dorset and East Devon European constituency and Christopher Fraser MP in the Mid Dorset and North Poole constituency.

John trained many agents during his career including Wendy Keene MBE, the former agent for Bournemouth West. He was well known within the local parties for organising Antique Auctions fundraising events and awarded the MBE on June 15, 1991.

Upon retirement John spent 10 years volunteering as an adviser for Wimborne's Citizen's Advice Bureau where he was much valued.

He was diagnosed with inclusion body myositis; an inflammatory muscle disease and during two decades this condition gradually restricted his movement. In his later years John was confined to a wheelchair. This became a significant hardship but he never once complained.

He was very grateful to the Wimborne Vision Dial-a-Ride mobility service who helped him when he could no longer travel independently.

John was loved and respected by his family and friends as well as those who worked and cared for him, particularly staff and residents at the Sunrise Senior Living home in Westbourne.

Considered a gentleman, he was an inspiration to all those who knew him and will be greatly missed. John leaves his brother Brian, sister Christine, six nieces and nephews and a godson.

A service of remembrance and thanksgiving for John’s life was held at St Ambrose Church in Westbourne on July 4.