The family of a former prisoner of war have led tributes to him after he died in a car accident near Coventry last week.
Reginald Cleaver from The Crescent in Brinklow, between Coventry and Rugby, died on Friday when his car hit a tree on Brandon Lane, Brandon.
Yesterday his wife of 64 years, Betty, two children and grandchildren described 89-year-old Reg as an “inspiration” to all who knew him.
In a statement they wrote: “He enjoyed life every day and his enthusiasm, excitement and vigour was inspirational to his family, friends and to those people with whom he came into contact. He loved and cared for his family in the same way he lived his life, and extended the same care and friendship to his many valued friends.
“In his 89th year he still managed 20 press ups every morning, cared for Betty, attended regular bowls matches – a sport he had recently taken up – and two four-mile walks a week.
“He was always pleased to receive and accept regular invitations to talk about his World War Two experiences and meet up with pals old and new to share memories and experiences.
“Reg was much loved and will be sorely missed by all of us.”
At the outbreak of war in 1939, 17-year-old Reg began volunteering as an ambulance driver and found himself driving on the night Coventry was blitzed.
A year later he joined the RAF and in 1943 he was shot down near Cologne. He spent five weeks on the run before he was captured by the SS and sent to the Stalag Luft III prisoner of war camp.
He was kept in prison until the end of the war when he was freed by Allied troops.
On returning home Reg resumed his apprenticeship with Armstrong Siddeley Motors (later Rolls-Royce) where he was prominent in the development of the rocket programme and later the nuclear research programme.
Reg retired in 1986, aged 64, but continued to act as an engineering consultant.
More recently, Reg completed his first parachute jump at the age of 87 and raised thousands of pounds for the Alzheimer’s Society.
He was also recently interviewed for an ITV programme with Sir David Jason and a three-part documentary, The Long March To Freedom, which will be aired on the Yesterday Channel later this month.
Police investigating the collision are keen to hear from anyone who was travelling along Brandon Lane between 3.50pm and 4.05pm on Friday, October 28. and saw the grey Honda Civic Reg was driving.
Any witnesses are asked to contact PC 412 Anita Dyer on 01926 415415.
Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2011 10:23 pm