TRIBUTES have been paid to an ‘enthusiastic’ and ‘devoted’ Knutsford man who gave more than three decades of his life to charity work.

Ian Young, former Knutsford Lions President, died at home on December 23 following a long battle with cancer, which his wife Valerie said he fought with ‘amazing courage’.

Ian, who is survived by Valerie who he was married to for 51 years, his two sons Simon and Nicolas, daughter Fiona and six grandchildren, was remembered in a ‘service of Thanksgiving’ on January 9. It was so well attended that people had to stand in the aisles and outside at the Crematorium.

He married Valerie in Dulwich, South London on June 5, 1965, and they first set up home in Crawley, Sussex, where Ian became a town councillor at the age of 23.

The couple moved to Knutsford in 1974.

When Valerie became Knutsford Town Mayor in 1980/81 Ian played an ‘active role’ as her Consort, particularly with regard to the ‘twinning’ of Knutsford and Montmorency in northern France.

Ian was ‘devoted’ to Knutsford and District Lions Club, being a member for more than 35 years during which he served as president three times.

As a Lion he will be particularly remembered for his leadership qualities, his ‘overall knowledge’ of the worldwide charitable organisation, and his ‘great enthusiasm’.

He also played an active part in the ‘Talking Newspaper’ which was originally set up by the Lions.

During his illness Ian set a challenge for all Knutsford Lions Club members to celebrate 100 years of the Lions Club International, which began in Chicago in 1917.

Thanks to this challenge, Lions Street Fair 2017 on Bank Holiday May 29 will become the ‘Lions Centenary Fair’ and will take place on the Heath.

Several other Lions Clubs in the area will take part and, along with the usual charity and trade stalls, there will many different activities including a ‘Welly Throwing’ competition’ and donkey rides.

Valerie said: “Ian might not be able to attend in person but he will certainly be there in spirit.”

Ian loved to travel and he and Valerie visited many parts of the world.

He also enjoyed walking and in more recent times was a member of the local ‘PRATS’ (Pensioner’s Rambling and Trekking Society).

He was also a member of Knutsford Tatton Probus Club, serving for some time as social secretary.