FAMILY, friends and community leaders have paid their last respects to a Chester man described as “one of the greatest enthusiasts this community has ever known”.
Hundreds who gathered at Holy Trinity Parish Church in Blacon witnessed an emotional and heartwarming celebration of Joe Rose’s life.
They were told Saltney-born Joe, 86, long-serving chairman of Blacon Community Trust, was a warm and caring family man. And they were reminded of his dedication as a community campaigner, forever to be remembered as ‘Mr Blacon’ in recognition of his passion for changing lives on the estate he called home for 55 years.
Mourners young and old learned of former city councillor Joe’s ability to help people in all walks of life.
Widower Joe, who died peacefully on September 14 after a short illness, was held in great esteem and was respected for his many achievements, in particular helping to steer forward the Trust (formerly the Blacon Project) over two decades.
Former vice-chairman friend Etty Thompson was among those paying their last respects.
A few years ago Joe and Etty travelled to meet the Queen and receive the Queen's Golden Jubilee Award for Voluntary Services. Some time later both would share a cup of tea with the Prince of Wales on his visit to the Trust’s Blacon headquarters.
Family tributes described Joe’s early years as a loving husband to his wife Ethel, his love of music and dancing, his comic ways, wicked sense of humour and his infectious smile. They talked of his willingness to understand and help with any problem that arose.
Former rector of Holy Trinity Church, Canon Peris Williams, said: “Joe was a great community figure. We have lost one of the greatest enthusiasts this community has ever known.
“He gave so much of his time and was energised by his faith in people.
“He faced change and growth with optimism.”
Long-time friend and Trust manager Judith Selwood said Joe would always be her “inspiration”.
“He touched so many people, he was passionate, committed, a very special man who leaves behind a great legacy.
“Joe first turned up at a Blacon Project to ask for £100 to start a tea dance and 25 years later he has a great legacy. The legacy is that his principles and values run right through the Trust.
“Joe was passionate about opportunities for young people. He wanted to give them a chance and wanted them to achieve.
“Joe was a natural leader who understood the role of partnerships and teamwork.
“He steered Blacon Community Trust through years of change. He was an honourable man.”
Blacon councillor Reggie Jones told mourners: “Joe Rose represents a post war generation who understood the value of community and collective responsibility. He would talk of his belief of social justice for all.
“Joe has a tremendous legacy in Blacon, but he himself would not be the one to take credit for that. He was a man who believed in the power of people to make change.
“Joe in many ways was a shy man, but not shy when he had something to say and stand up for something he believed in.
“It is time for us to gather to say goodbye to a friend, a gentleman and an ambassador for Blacon.”