Death of Liberation Day organiser

TRIBUTES have been pouring in for a man who played a leading role in the Battle of Flowers, the Band of the Island of Jersey and the Island’s Liberation Day celebrations.

Owen Wiscombe, who was 64, died in his sleep on Monday. He had been suffering from cancer. Mr Wiscombe was married to Liz and lived in St Lawrence. After a career in the army he had worked for Social Security as the CI welfare and support officer for former members of the military. Born in Taunton, Somerset, he previously worked for the prison service in both the UK and Jersey. He was made an MBE in the 2006 New Year honours list.

Mr Wiscombe was heavily involved in numerous aspects of Island life. He was president of the Band of the Island of Jersey and organised both the Liberation Day celebrations and Remembrance Day services for a number of years. He was also involved with the Royal British Legion for more than 20 years. Brigadier Bruce Willing, who is their vice-president in Jersey, said: ‘He was a lion among men. He was a great man who was larger than life and a man of great compassion.’

Another love of Mr Wiscombe’s life was the Battle of Flowers. He was involved with the parade for numerous years through float design and building work and also by sitting on various committees. ‘He will be a sad loss to the Island and to us involved in Battle particularly,’ said parade vice-chairman Steve Bouchard. ‘Owen was a person who, when you asked him to do something, did it second to none. He will be sorely missed.’

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