DAVID Cohen, 73, of Royal Wootton Bassett, made a major contribution to the Scout Movement, as Quartermaster, helper at Cub Scout camps and chairman of the 1st Wootton Bassett Scout Group executive committee. He had been associated with Scouting for many years since his wife Yvonne became a Cub Scout leader.

Dave was a vice-President of Wootton Bassett Rugby Club, having joined initially as a supporter.

He died in hospital on April 13, after a short illness, has saddened many people.

Dave, who was born in Gloucester, was a drummer in the Cheltenham & District pipe band and later learnt to play the bagpipes. He signed up for two years as a reserve in the Gloucestershire Hussars, playing the drums in their military band and performing in this country and in Holland.

In his career with British Railways Signal and Telegraph, he and his wife Yvonne first met at work in the Telegraph office at Gloucester Central railway station. They were married in 1967, and Richard was born in 1970 just as Dave was promoted to Weston super Mare, where they settled in Worle. Three years later work brought them back to Gloucester railway panel box and they lived at Churchdown where their second son, Philip, was born. Dave continued to play in the pipe band and the family enjoyed sharing in carnivals and fetes around the county.

In 1976, when Dave was transferred to Swindon Rail panel box, the family made their home in Wootton Bassett, and soon became actively involved in the local community. Dave piped the children along Parsons Way to a street party for the Queen’s silver jubilee celebrations in 1977, and was soon involved in local Scouting.

He represented Swindon branch of the National Union of Railwaymen for two years, during which he attended conferences around the country, accompanied by his family.

He loved rugby and played for Fielding & Platt, his brother’s employers, until an injury prevented further involvement. He was a lifelong fan of Gloucester’s ‘Cherry and White’s’.

Having taken early retirement for health reasons, he remained cheerful and involved in local events.

His funeral on Thursday, May 5, at noon at Kingsdown Crematorium, Swindon will be followed by a wake at Royal Wootton Bassett Rugby Club.

Friends and colleagues will be welcome to attend.