Tributes to soldier and Freemason

From the Slough and South Bucks Observer

Tributes to soldier and Freemason

 

TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Coldstream Guard and active freemason who was 'admired by all that knew him’.

Brian Tollington spent nearly eight years serving his country - including Berlin where he guarded Adolf Hitler’s deputy henchman Rudolf Hess in Spandau Prison.

The keen photographer, who after many roles with Slough Borough Council became its official snapper, also spent more than 20 years with the Freemasons based at Chilterns Lodge.

He died from a brain tumour at his Maidenhead home surrounded by close family on Friday, August 8. Loved ones said their final goodbyes to the 58-year-old at his funeral on Tuesday, August 26, which was a celebration of his life with the UK Gospel Choir in attendance.

Eton College, where Brian worked for the last few years as a security guard, flew its standard at half mast as a sign of respect on the day.

His wife Maureen, of Culham Drive, Maidenhead, said: “He was a very smart man, well renowned for his sharp dressing and highly polished shoes and well admired and respected by all who knew him. He certainly did a lot for the community and will be very sadly missed by all. Whatever his circumstances, he always had a smile.”

He leaves behind two children, Lisa and Guy and stepson, Leighton.

Mr Tollington joined the Coldstream Guards as a boy soldier at the age of 15, before going on to serve in the 2nd Battalion, with his last stationing in Windsor. His time in the forces included a stint in Berlin where he helped run a nightclub and later trained to become a professional DJ, which he took up as a hobby in later life.

He worked for the Ministry of Transport in Leicestershire before moving to Slough in the 80s and joining Slough Borough Council, where he worked for more than 20 years. He helped run the street cleaning and rubbish collections, before moving to events and conference co-ordinator then the borough’s official photographer.

He met wife Maureen in December 1990, before moving to Marlow and then Maidenhead. The pair tied the knot in 2000 on a beach in Barbados.

After redundancy in 2009, Mr Tollington become a self-employed photographer. He was also an active freemason and did a great deal of charity work including for Marlow British Legion where he was an active member. He was also the legion’s official standard bearer at remembrance parades and resident DJ.