John Chapman MBE passed away last week aged 85 and tributes have come from all around Marlow as the town remembers a popular figure from the town.

Mr Chapman was an ex-soldier and saw active service in Aden in the 1960s and 50 years later he accepted the presidency of Marlow’s Royal British Legion (RBL).

A member of the RBL for 25 years Mr Chapman and throughout his time he has supported the poppy appeal in Marlow and has been instrumental in increasing the funds raised to support the armed forces community.

READ MORE: People in Bucks are unknowingly double booking vaccine appointments

His overall contribution to the community as a whole was officially recognised in the 2019 new year honours list when he was appointed as a member of the most excellent order of the British empire.

A statement from the RBL: “He provided guidance to the officeholders and ensured that the aims of the legion were achieved, he embodied the Royal British Legion motto “service not self” not only in his actions with the legion but in all that he did for the community as a whole in the various activities that he undertook.

“John chapman was liked and greatly respected by all in the community.

“He will be hugely missed in the Royal British Legion Marlow branch where he leaves a space in the organisation that will be difficult to fill."

PICTURED: John Chapman MBE outside the Royal British Legion

PICTURED: John Chapman MBE outside the Royal British Legion

ALSO READ: 'Fix the roads first': Residents concerned over £4.5m development plans

Living in the town for over 40 years Mr Chapman was also a very active member of the Rotary Club of Marlow (RCoM).

Mr Chapman took part in all aspects of the RCoM after joining in 1987 soon becoming chairman of committees, Treasurer, and then becoming President in 1993.

He then went on to be District Governor for the year 2000/2001 where he was in charge of all the Rotary Clubs in Bucks, Berks, Oxon, and Middlesex.

A spokesperson from the RCoM said: “He was kind, warm hearted, and always keen to help others.

“He was a true example of a Rotarian in action to help those in need in his local community, and wherever else around the world.

“He will be greatly missed by all his many friends in the Rotary Club of Marlow, and throughout the wider population of his beloved Marlow.”

PICTURED: John Chapman MBE at Marlow Town Regatta

PICTURED: John Chapman MBE at Marlow Town Regatta

READ MORE: 'The situation in Buckinghamshire is extremely serious': More mob

Members of the community have also been sharing their memories of Mr Chapman on Facebook after the sad news broke last week.

One resident said: “Marlow has lost a true gentleman & generous man.

“He never stopped doing things for others, had amazing energy, enthusiasm, and always a story to tell.

Another added: “John was a lovely man who put so much of his life into Marlow, he will be sorely missed by so many.

“Thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Rest in peace John you were one of a kind.”

Arrangements for Mr Chapman’s funeral have not yet been made.