Reginald Boyce (1922-2013)

REGINALD Arthur Boyce was born on July 6, 1922 at Wood Walton, Huntingdonshire and he attended Huntingdon Grammar School.

On leaving school he trained as an electrician. At the age of 18 he was called up and was posted to Norwich Castle, where he joined the Royal Norfolk Regiment.

He later served as a paratrooper in North Africa, Sicily, Italy and Yogoslavia.

He was awarded the 1939-45 Star, the Africa Star, the Italy Star, the 1939-45 War Medal and also the Peace Medal. He left the Army at the end of the war.

He met and married Eileen.

Mr Boyce joined the Leicestershire and Rutland Constabulary and for over 31 years he moved around the constabulary boundaries, finishing his service in Bottesford, where he and Eileen settled and made their home.

During his time in Bottesford, Mr Boyce was involved in various local associations and groups.

He was chairman of Bottesford Parish Council; a member of the PCC of St Mary’s Church and churchwarden for 24 years; and a trustee of the Earl of Rutland and Fleming Trust.

Mr Boyce was a member of the Conservative Association and after retirement he was elected deputy mayor of Melton Mowbray and chairman of the Melton Mowbray branch of Parish Council Associates.

He was also a member of the Deanery Synod.

He was awarded the British Empire Medal during his early retirement and continued to lead a full and active life in the Bottesford community

Mr Boyce was a lifelong supporter of Leicester City Football Club.