TRIBUTES have been paid to an “energetic” Brigadier with a “fondness and regard for his Island” who died at the weekend at the age of 82.
Veteran Bruce Willing devoted 33 years of his life to the British Army, and returned to Jersey in 1993.
The former Victoria College student was described by those close to him as “having a wonderful sense of humour”.
Mr Willing also chaired the Friends of Our New Hospital group from 2017 to 2020 and was committed to campaigning for improved healthcare services in Jersey.
On social media, current Friends of Our New Hospital chair Mary Venturini paid tribute to her friends and fellow campaigner.
She said: “Bruce was a tireless fighter for the new hospital and for better healthcare facilities in Jersey. However, at the same time he was also a loyal advocate of all that was best in the hospital.
“Sadly Bruce probably knew more about the internal workings of the hospital than anyone else in the Island because of his complicated and long-term illnesses and thanks to his military training, he was a keen observer of everything that was going on. He died peacefully and without pain.”
She added: “Bruce had a wonderful sense of humour and I can’t remember a conversation that didn’t end with a hearty laugh. All of us will miss him greatly and our meetings will never be quite the same without him.”
Mr Willing was also president of the Jersey branch of the Royal British Legion and the Army Benevolent Fund.
RBL Jersey chairman, Lieutenant-Colonel Tim Daniels, expressed his appreciation for Mr Willing’s service through the years.
He said: “Bruce was an energetic and focused retired army officer and his fondness and regard for his Island was manifested in a variety of endeavours he pursued passionately. He supported a number of charities and was a distinguished and long-serving president of the Royal British Legion in Jersey.
“The regimental motto of the Royal Hampshire Regiment was ‘Unconquered I Serve’, an approach that Brigadier Bruce lived with panache. The branch committee note the passing of an old comrade and send our sympathy to his wife and family.”
