Henry Colman, County Chairman in the 1970s

Respected former Dunstable businessman and Scout Leader Henry Colman has died just months from his 100th birthday.

The only child of Harry and Edith Colman, Henry was born in Willesden in 1912. As a teenager he joined the 28th Willesden Scout Group and went on to become an assistant Scout Master in his 20s. He later helped to organise Gangshows based on the ideas of Ralph Reader and also attended many Jamborees both at home and abroad.

After moving to the area where he started a prominent company serving the printing industry, Henry took an active interest in local Scouting and became County Chairman in the 1960s and 1970s. In the 1971 St George’s Day awards, the Chief Scout awarded him a Silver Acorn one of Scouting’s highest honours in recognition of his special and outstanding services.

A devoted family man, he was always quick to help young people. Son Baden said, “I think he felt that he had had encouragement in his early life. He felt that it was important to help young people to get a good start in life.”

This outgoing, astute businessman is remembered by present County Chairman Tom Eastwood for his public-spirited attitude to life, his high principles and his personal drive. Henry was an active sportsman who loved swimming, skiing and golf. He could be seen on the golf course well into his 90s – still carrying his own golf clubs.

A great grandfather, Henry leaves two sons, Baden and Roger, four grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. His wife Margaret pre-deceased him.

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