A DAUGHTER has paid tribute to her father, former Mayor of Ivybridge Barry David Thorn, who dedicated his life to making the town he loved a better place for everyone.

Stacy Thorn described her dad, who died peacefully on the morning of November 12 at Derriford Hospital aged 72, as someone who loved his dogs and motorbikes, and had a burning desire to help people and get involved in the community where he lived.

Barry was born in Totnes and attended school at Diptford, and the former King Edward VI Grammar School in Totnes. He lived with his parents in North Huish, but during his childhood a fire engulfed the house leaving the family with just the clothes on their backs.

Barry worked as a student registered mental nurse at Moorhaven Hospital, where he met his wife of 36 years, Doreen, before changing tack and joining the the Royal Marine Commandos in 1963 and serving in Aden and in Singapore as Royal Marine Provost.

Leaving the forces after nine years, Barry and Doreen had two children: Brett, born 1973, who is now keeper of archaeology at the Buckinghamshire County Museum, and Stacy, born 1976, who became a police officer. Later, Barry was also blessed with two grandchildren, Luke and Megan Thorn.

Barry began a 25-year career in the fire brigade at this time, working at many of the stations in the Plymouth area where he was known as Dave by his firemen colleagues.

In 1983, Barry joined Ivybridge Town Council, serving until 1999, and as mayor for three successive terms from 1990 to 1993. Current town clerk Lesley Hughes said: ‘He was involved in a very influential period when major projects were undertaken and the town was growing very rapidly.

‘His 16 years of service, both as a councillor and mayor, showed great commitment to the town and a determination to help Ivybridge achieve the services that a growing community needed, such as the purchase of Longtimber Woods and land to create Filham Park, plus the move to the new Town Hall in Erme Court.’

Stacy says that Barry’s decision to join the council stemmed from ‘a desire to get involved’. She said: ‘While he was mayor he attended so many events - there are far too many to recall - but he opened the golf club at Dinnaton, now McCaulays, and there is a photo of him playing squash with the chief constable of police John Evans while wearing his mayoral chain.

‘He would always attend the opening of most of the fêtes in the town. He loved it - he felt that it was his town and he wanted to become involved to make it a better place for everyone.’

Barry was also involved with the Royal British Legion in Ivybridge where he was chairman, poppy appeal organiser and standard bearer, and had the honour of carrying the standard at a festival of remembrance in the Royal Albert Hall.

Stacy though recalled that during Ivybridge remembrance services Barry always made sure that children were at the front of the crowd, as close to the memorial as possible.

She said: ‘He will be sorely missed by all his family and his friends near and far - but never forgotten.’

His funeral is on Friday, November 27, at Weston Mill Crematorium at 2.30pm.

Donations would be welcomed to the Royal Maine Association, The Fire Fighters Charity and the Royal British Legion, and can be left as a retiring collection, or made by visiting wcpltd.com and selecting Ivybridge, or contacting Walter C. Parson, 9 Costly Street, Ivybridge.