Tributes paid to RAF veteran who touched many lives in the Harborough area

John Timms, from Harrington, died peacefully on April 11, aged 90, after a short illness and was buried on May 6 in his RAF blazer, shirt, tie and boots.

As well as a well-respected and proud veteran, he was also known by many as a musician and keen cyclist. He was a former member of the Welland Valley Cycling Club, continuing to ride his e-bike until recently.

He regularly attended memorial events in Market Harborough, and was also well known for forming the band J for Jazz, where he played cornet and sang, performing at the Foxton Locks Inn until just weeks before his death.

John served in Cyprus and Egypt in the 1950s after signing up for national service aged 17, and was awarded a medal for his service during the Suez Crisis.

He leaves his wife of 68 years, Judith, and daughters Jane and Sally, and grandchildren Marie-Louise, Lonneke and Jos.

Welland Valley Cycling club said they were saddened to hear the news, adding: "John was a keen time-trialist with Welland Valley in his time and continued his love of bikes to the end. He loved classic bikes and has quite a number of them in his garage. He carried on riding his e-bike up to very recently."