JOHN Noel Dixon, who died aged 89 years, was born at in Coniston on Christmas Day 1915, and had lived and worked in the village all his life.

Married to Margaret on Boxing Day 1941, they had 63 happy years together, and had three children - Peter, Margaret and Geraldine - five grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Mr Dixon also leaves an older brother, Jim, and sister, Dorothy.

Though his health was damaged from TB as a child, and he spent 18 months in hospital, he persevered and trained as a joiner and then undertaker with the late Tommy Kitchen, before buying out the business for himself. Mr Dixon worked his joinery business along son Peter and grandsons Andrew and Jamie.

Because of his health he was unable to do forces service, but spent time in London and Barrow on the war effort, repairing bombed-out buildings.

Mr Dixon loved his village and served the people through his work for the parish council, St Andrew's Church, the Village Institute and museum, and various local sporting clubs.

He was a stalwart most of all on the parish council, serving for 50 years, and he was always a fierce champion of village causes and a redoubtable supporter of tradition. Even after retiring from the council, Mr Dixon would receive the minutes and keep an eye on decisions affecting the village.

He loved his twice-weekly sessions of Welsh Don' cards which allowed him to not only meet friends but keep up with local news.

In retirement, he and his wife ran a small caravan site and travelled with their own caravan. He was a great follower of all sports, particularly cricket.