A GREAT-GRANDFATHER who dedicated his life to teaching and the church will be remembered as a “true gentleman” by his family.

John Dolamore died aged 88 on April 27 following a battle with a disease related to Parkinson’s and the introduction of pandemic restrictions which forced him to slow down.

He leaves behind his loving wife Myra, five children, 16 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

After leaving the Royal Air Force as a squadron leader, Mr Dolamore moved to Wivenhoe in 1970, and then later to Colchester where he was a general studies lecturer at Colchester Institute for a decade.

Following this, he became principal of his own school - the Colchester Tutorial Centre - a role he committed to for more than 25 years.

During this period, he worked to provide opportunities for children and young adults to help reach their full potential.

Outside of his work, he became one of the first Catholics to become a Eucharistic minister in Colchester, at St James The Less Church, in Priory Street - administering weekly communion not just within the church, but often to sick and house-bound parishioners.

In addition, he was a church welcomer at weekends, greeting parishioners with his gentle manner.

He dedicated himself to such roles for three decades.

As well as supporting the church and the unwell, Mr Dolamore became a street pastor for Colchester.

This role involved patrolling the streets at night, helping and caring for people in practical ways.

On one particular occasion, he supported a woman who had gone into labour after a night club visit.

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Dressed always in his blue uniform and street pastor cap, providing a reassuring presence, he continued until the age of 86, to help and support those vulnerable individuals, who were often unwell, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, at night.

In his free time, he enjoyed being a member of a local Tai Chi class in the town centre; as well as a participant in local art and French clubs.

Three years ago, Mr Dolamore was diagnosed with a disease related to Parkinson’s, which slowed him down.

Though it slowed him down, he did not allow it to stop his involvement in the societies he so enjoyed.

However, ultimately, it was combination of the progression of the disease and the introduction of pandemic restrictions that forced him to slow down.

Nevertheless, he would regularly communicate with his five children, sixteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, through phone calls and Zoom.

Wife Myra had cared and supported him throughout their 65-year marriage until the end.

Jessica Hodge, his daughter, said: “He will be greatly missed by family, friends and locals alike. His extraordinary, selfless life will be celebrated during his funeral on May 28 at St James the Less Church, at 11am.”

He will be received into the church the day before with a service at 4pm.

If you remember him - from The Colchester Institute, The Colchester Tutorial Centre, The

Church, his Street Pastor role or through his clubs he attended - you may wish to write a tribute

or memory on his web page. johndaviddolamore.muchloved.com. Thank you.