A POPULAR and well-loved former scout leader who was awarded the British Empire Medal for his services to the Scout Association has passed away at the age of 91.

Bill Sadler was involved in the organisation for most of his life, spending 20 years as warden of the Great Tower scout camp at Newby Bridge. But he served the local community in many other ways and was also a devoted family man.

Born in London, Mr Sadler grew up on the Isle of Man before moving to Blackpool as a teenager where he began an apprenticeship as a carpenter and joiner which he completed while serving in the Royal Navy in the late 1940s.

Returning to Blackpool, he married his teenage sweetheart June in 1951.

In 1969, his involvement with the scouting movement deepened when he took a job with the Scout Association which led to a move to Great Tower.

He oversaw great improvements at the Lake District site during his two decades in charge and even in his later years, Mr Sadler was an active member of Windermere Old Scouts and was Cumbria Scouts county badge secretary.

From 1989, the couple enjoyed a happy retirement in Gleaston, both being regulars at St Anthony’s Church on Cartmel Fell where Mr Sadler was a church warden.

And their work with the local community was recognised when plaques were erected in their honour on bridges at either end of the riverside walk Mr Sadler had helped establish at the turn of the Millennium.

Mrs Sadler sadly passed way eight years ago, but her husband continued to be active and made a host of new friends when he moved to Kirkby Lonsdale three years ago, and he remained a keen rugby league fan and was a regular supporter at Barrow.

“He was practical, talented, sensible and generous, particularly with his time and skills and over the years won the respect and affection of a great many people,” said his family in a statement.

And the depth of that respect was indicated by the large attendance at St Anthony’s Church for the funeral service of a loving father and grandfather who will be sorely missed.