CONTENTED, loved Crediton and was a Kirtonian through and through, his sense of humour, kindness and a gentle man were mentioned often by Bert Lee’s family in their tributes to the centenarian. 

Albert Cecil Lee was born on November 15, 1920 and died this October.  A Service of Thanksgiving for his life was held at Crediton Parish Church on October 24, led by Rev Preb Matthew Tregenza.  

Tributes included memories from his grandchildren and a talk by daughter-in-law the Rev Janet Lee.

Donations were in aid of Dementia UK and Crediton Parish Church. 

Known as Bert, he was the son of Albert and Janie, who had been born in the 1880s.  From Queen Elizabeth’s School in Crediton, Bert started work in his father’s gent’s outfitters but World War Two interrupted that and he joined the RAF as an instrument repairer. 

His war was spent in a variety of places at home and abroad including Egypt and South Africa. 

After the war Bert returned to the business he would soon take over when his father began to suffer ill-health and that was Bert’s profession throughout his life.

His youngest son, Simon, took over after Bert’s retirement making Simon the third generation to run the business. A remarkable family.

Bert met Joan Sturgeon on a coach trip to Europe in 1952, they married in her native Suffolk in 1956 when she left her teaching career to join Bert in Crediton. 

Jean died in 2007, three years after celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversary, Bert continuing to live in his cottage in Albert Terrace, just up from the shop, until a stay in hospital meant he was no longer able to live independently and moved into a care home in Crediton. 

Two of his great interests were travel and cards.  He travelled widely, particularly in Europe.  When foreign travel became more difficult, Bert made extensive use of his free bus pass and roamed this country.

He loved being part of the whist circuit, playing in village halls around Devon.

The eulogy in his Order of Service said that Bert forged many friendships.  His good humoured friendliness, willingness to help and happy outlook on life touched all he encountered.

Family was central to his life, the families of his three sons, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.