Tributes to Roger Savery

Family and friends gathered under late September’s blue skies to celebrate the life of Roger Savery (right).

He was well known to many as the president of the North Devon Show in recent years. Roger passed away aged 78 on August 26th, and was laid to rest at Atherington Church on September 22nd following a service at his family home.

His final journey through the village was by horse drawn hearse, with a team of Shires from Waterers’ Working Horses. Funeral arrangements were taken care of by Jonathan Blackmore of H. N. Blackmore & Sons Funeral Directors, South Molton.

A collection for Devon Air Ambulance in his memory has so far raised £1,330.

Roger Savery - photo courtesy of the Savery family

He leaves behind his wife Brenda, daughters Mandy, Polly & Amy and three sons-in-law, grandchildren Thomas, Matt, Lucy, Chloe, Alfred & Sidney, and his sister Shirley.

Among the many tributes, the team at the North Devon Show said from next year the main ring at the event will be named ‘The Savery Ring’. “We are all thinking of Brenda and his family at this sad time. Roger will be sorely missed by us all. Such a character, such a gentleman, his passing will leave an irreplaceable hole in show family,” they said.

His life involved being a dedicated family man, landlord, builder, hunt and horseman and friend to many. Donations to Devon Air Ambulance can be made through H. N. Blackmore & Sons.

Jonathan Blackmore leads the cortege - photo by Karolina Andreasova

The funeral cortege arrives at the church in Atherington - photo by Karolina Andreasova