A COMMUNITY is drawing together to remember ‘a great old character’ who lived in the area for more than 40 years.

Jack Palmer, 86, died after a short illness. He had lived in Prospect Place, Chapelhay, since 1973 and brought up his five children there with wife Audrey.

The pair were active members of the Chapelhay playgarden committee, and a tree will be planted there in Jack’s memory on Sunday (Oct 4).

Daughter Lucy Dean said her father was ‘a great old character’ with ‘a ridiculous sense of humour’.

Before moving to Weymouth, Jack worked as a telecommunications engineer in the navy. Based at Portsmouth, he met Audrey, who was training to be a teacher, at a dance. On their second date, he asked her to marry him.

Lucy said: “He adored mum. He just worshipped the ground she walked on.”

Later, Jack left the navy, continuing to work as a telecommunications engineer in Iran, South Africa and Saudi Arabia.

After working abroad, he and his family moved to North Dorset, Hampshire and eventually Weymouth. A keen inventor, when Jack retired he continued to work for himself, added Lucy.

“He made all sorts of things, including something called a What’s On, which was something you hung on your kitchen wall and it told you what electronic appliances were switched on in your house. He actually sold a few, but unfortunately he was unable to market it.”

All the family were keen on watersports, and Jack and Audrey continued to go windsurfing until they were in their 70s.

Lucy said: “Sailing was a hobby and an absolute passion of his. They always swam, even after they gave up windsurfing. He actually invented a family motto, in Latin, which translates to ‘wherever there’s water, we go in’.”

He was also devoted to his children – Lucy and four sons – and 11 grandchildren. The family live in Poole.

Lucy said: “He was always so excited when we would come to visit. He would never end a phone call without saying he loved us and was proud of us.”

Clare Sutton, from the playgarden committee, said: “Those who knew him will remember Jack as one of the funniest, kindest, warmest men they have ever met, who was an extraordinary asset to the playgarden.

“There he was, pottering about, picking up litter, chatting to passers by. Jack and Audrey have been involved in our project from day one and it has been an absolute joy and privilege to become friends with them over the past 11 years.”

Lucy said the memorial was ‘deeply touching’.

She added: “It’s really nice they want to do something for him.”