Tributes to Sydney Garson, chairman of Scarborough RNLI and the Sea Cadets and 'a true gentleman'

Tributes have been paid to a much-loved and inspirational Scarborough man.
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Sydney Garson, who was awarded an MBE for his voluntary service, has died, aged 93.

He worked tirelessly within Scarborough Chamber of Commerce, and North Yorkshire Police Liaison Committee, and was Chairman of the Scarborough RNLI and Sea Cadets.

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He was also a member and chairman of Hutton Buscel Parish Council.

Sydney Garson, left, accompanies the Duke of Kent on a visit to Scarborough lifeboat station in May 2006.Sydney Garson, left, accompanies the Duke of Kent on a visit to Scarborough lifeboat station in May 2006.
Sydney Garson, left, accompanies the Duke of Kent on a visit to Scarborough lifeboat station in May 2006.
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Former Chief Superintendent of Scarborough Police Tom Fox, who worked with Mr Garson in his role on the police liaison committee as well as with Scarborough RNLI and Sea Cadets, said: “He was an inspirational man whose example to others was exemplary.

“He was selfless of his time and his relaxed approach was only exceeded by a dogged determination.”

Commanding Officer of Scarborough Sea Cadets, Lieutenant Natalie Davies, said: “He always had a lot of time for all of the cadets and was a true gentleman.

Sydney GarsonSydney Garson
Sydney Garson
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“It’s a very sad loss for us and he will be greatly missed.”

Colin Woodhead, Chairman of Scarborough Lifeboat Committee, said: "Syd Garson was Chairman of Scarborough Lifeboat Committee from 1998 to 2010. It was only due to the deterioration of his health that he very reluctantly gave up his post.

"He was very well respected and steered the station through some changing times within the RNLI. He was the principal organiser at the naming ceremony of our D-class lifeboat which was donated by the Hartley Family Charitable Trust.

"Syd will be sadly missed by the Scarborough Lifeboat family and our condolences go to his family at this sad time."

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He was a devoted father and cherished grandfather and great grandfather.

Simon, who is Managing Director of G2 Integrated Security Solutions in Scarborough, said: “He was totally selfless. I’ve never known anyone else like him.”

Ruth added: “He was quite an introvert but really good with people.

“As a dad, there was never any judgement, he was always kind. We could not have asked for a better father.”

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Mr Garson’s funeral will take place at St Matthew’s Church, Hutton Buscel, on Thursday July 16 at noon and will be limited to immediate family. A celebration of his life will be conducted at a later date.

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