Tributes have been paid to one of Pembrokeshire's most decorated war heroes and long-standing members of the community in Tenby who has sadly passed away.

John Tipton DFC, LLB, who held the post of Honorary Curator at Tenby Museum between 1983 and 1995, passed away last week, months after celebrating his milestone 100th birthday on September 15 of last year.

Born in Penally in 1917, John attended school in Tenby before studying law at University College London.

His career began as an RAF navigator in World War Two where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar.

Post-war he remained in the RAF rising to the rank of Wing Commander, with postings in New Zealand, France and the UK.

From the mid-1960s, he enjoyed a second distinguished career in the Civil Service.

In 1983, John and his late wife Margaret retired to Tenby where he was persuaded by the then curator, Wilfred Harrison, to become the fourth honorary curator of Tenby Museum.

Mayor of Tenby, Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane, said she was ‘very saddened’ to learn of his passing.

“He was a quiet, unassuming gentleman who will be sorely missed,” said Clr. Mrs. Lane.

“A true war hero, John also had an unsurpassed knowledge of the town in which he was born which, coupled with his administrative skills, made him the ideal person to hold the post of Honorary Curator of Tenby Museum.

“During his 12-year tenure, he was instrumental in instigating many changes and developments at the museum and he will always be remembered for being a hard-working and conscientious champion in ensuring the history of Tenby was preserved for future generations.

“It was always a joy to be in his company and I will cherish all the time spent with him benefiting from his dry wit, knowledge and wisdom,” she added.

Tenby Museum and Art Gallery curator, Mark Lewis, said that all involved with the town’s museum were very sad to hear of Mr. Tipton’s passing.

“His commitment to Tenby Museum was absolute and even after his retirement he continued to take an interest in all that was going on, offering views and opinions that were consistently honest, but always with the best interests of the museum at heart,” he said.

“When I first joined as a volunteer back in 1994 it was under John’s leadership and he encouraged and assisted me in many ways in my chosen profession.

“A modest man who never spoke about himself, John played a major role in the town and will be sadly missed,” added Mark.

A cremation service, which all are welcome to attend, will take place at Parc Gwyn, Narberth, on Tuesday, January 23, at 11.30 am, to be immediately followed by a Service of Celebration at St. Mary’s Church, Tenby, at 1 pm.

There will be family flowers only, but donations can be made in memory to RNLI Tenby, c/o funeral directors, Messrs W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons Ltd, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, who are carrying out the funeral arrangements.