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Walter Rees
A FORMER conductor of the Ercol furniture company band has died aged 92.
Walter Rees, of Holmers Farm Way, High Wycombe, passed away on Sunday, April 23.
Mr Rees settled in the town after the Second World War and worked for the company until his retirement in 1984.
He lived in Eaton Avenue with his wife Maisie for most of his life.
A keen musician, Mr Rees took over as musical director and conductor of the Ercol band in 1952 and had proud moments marching through London in the Lord Mayor's Show in 1962 and again the following year.
He also led the band on a trip to Zurich.
The band recorded an album and played carols at the lighting of the Norwegian Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square for many years.
Mr Rees was invited to conduct the Morris Motors band in the Brass Band Championship at the Royal Albert Hall and was well known in High Wycombe for the time he spent working with bands in Marlow, West Wycombe and Chinnor.
Born in Port Talbot in South Wales, Mr Rees was one of ten children.
Music always played a big part in his life and started his musical career as a cornet player in a local band.
At the age of 19 he successfully passed an audition to join the Royal Marines School of Music.
He joined the Royal Marines and was principal solo cornet player in the Royal Marine Band throughout his military career.
During the Second World War he served on destroyers and battleships, including HMS Hood.
He was drafted from the Hood just before her last fateful voyage when she was sunk by the German battleship Bismarck.
In later years he took an active part in the Burma Star Association.
He leaves behind his daughter Diane, sisters Pat, Kath and Carmen, and grandchildren Jane and David.
11:02am Friday 23rd June 2006
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