Matthew Hall

WHILE Matthew Peter Hall was chairman of the West Yorkshire branch of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers' Association (REME) prior to becoming President, he was heavily involved in the organisation of Veterans' Day (later to become Armed Forces Day) in Bradford. He sat in on council meetings and undertook various tasks to ensure the success of these annual weekends.

His last act as President was to attend and take part in the Armed Forces parade in Leeds on June 27. He insisted on parading that day despite his failing health – an act typical of his loyalty and sense of duty.

Mr Hall, who has died aged 89, was born in Bradford. The son of a spindle maker, Richard Delaney Hall, he was the eldest of seven children, and to his family's enduring pride won a scholarship to the city's St Bede's Grammar School.

He left at 16, getting a job with Jowett Cars in Bradford.

At the outbreak of war in 1939, he tried to enlist but was refused as he was in a reserved occupation. Not daunted by this, he joined the local Defence Volunteers (later the Home Guard).

In 1950 he enlisted in the REME, rising through the ranks over the next 14 years to become a non-commissioned officer.

His army career spanned 25 years and saw him posted to Singapore, Malaysia, Cyprus and Germany. He was intensely proud to serve Queen and country.

Matthew met his wife Edna Exley in 1953, the night before he was due to sail to Singapore. They corresponded from that day on and married on July 27, 1956. From that moment on they were rarely apart.

On leaving the Army, Matthew began a career in training and development and was appointed Chairman of West Yorkshire branch of the Institute of Training and Development (ITD).

His sense of community was reflected in the roles he undertook on retirement. He became a school governor and a lay visitor for prisoners, and in 2001 joined the West Yorkshire branch of the REME Association, and by 2004 was chairman of the branch.

Matthew had immense charm which drew people of all ages to him. His character was defined by determination, devotion to duty, honour, humour and a great sense of "family"; to his wife, the Army and his extended family he gave his unwavering support, loyalty and love.

He is survived by his wife, his son Matthew, his three daughters Andrea, Lissa and Melanie and grandchildren, Aidan and Emma.