Tributes to have-a-go-hero whose life 'ends on a high' (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Tributes to have-a-go-hero whose life 'ends on a high'

3:20pm Friday 24th July 2009

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Tributes have poured in for 85-year-old have-a-go-hero William Grove, whose life “ended on a high” after he was praised up and down the country for tackling an armed robber during a daytime jewellery store raid.

Mr Grove, of Queens Road, Richmond, was found dead in his flat last Friday by police, who forced their way into building after suspicious neighbours reported milk bottles had been piling up outside the front door since Monday.

Just days earlier, the RAF veteran had been dancing until midnight at a police awards ceremony in Manchester, where one of the country’s top officers, Sir Hugh Orde, presented him with a silver medal for public bravery.

Mr Grove sparked a media frenzy last October when, in front of a crowd of 50 stunned onlookers, he wrenched a balaclava off a youth, who was battering the display window of Ernest Jones, in George Street, Richmond, with an accomplice.

His actions led to the arrest of two teenagers, who were later jailed.

Relative Peter Nicholson said: “He’s a man who went out with a bang in a way.

“I thought he was going to live forever. I would have put money on him getting to 100.”

Mr Nicholson said Mr Grove was known by different names to different people – widely called William, referred to as Bill by friends in the Home Office, where he worked, but known as John to family and close friends.

After moving to Richmond in 1971 with wife Joan, who died from Alzheimer's a few years ago, Battersea-born Mr Grove set about involving himself in community groups.

As well as being an active member of the Liberal Democrats – he would visit the office every week to help in any way he could – Mr Grove was also a long-standing member of St Matthias Church, where he and Joan married.

Reverend Cate Irvine said: “He was a great character and he loved to tell stories.

“He brought his police medal into church and got a round of applause from everybody – he was very proud of his achievements.

“He was part of the St Matthias experience, part of the fabric of our life.

“It’s going to be very strange without him.”

Mr Grove’s Dutch neighbours, Merel Kolfschoten and Tom Heideman, said he was their “walking encyclopaedia” and taught them everything they know about England’s history.

Ms Kolfschoten, who accompanied Mr Grove to the National Police Public Bravery Awards on July 8, said: “John had a wonderful time – he even braved the dance floor with me.

“We will miss him dearly, but at least his life has ended on a high, and for an independent like John that is probably the best you can wish for.”

A postmortem examination on Tuesday revealed Mr Grove died from natural causes, but the exact date of his death has yet to be disclosed by Kingston’s coroner.

Details of a funeral and memorial service are expected to be announced in soon.

Police praise for William

Richmond’s police force will not soon forget the bravery of the modest 85-year-old veteran, who believed in giving something back to the community, but refused to accept he was a hero.

Borough commander, Detective Chief Superintendent Rick Turner, said: “William Grove was a remarkable person and even into his old age was still fantastically community spirited.The community will sadly miss him and at this time I and my staff give my condolences to his family and friends.”

Lib Dems mourn death of supporter

The borough’s Liberal Democrats have felt the void left by a campaigner, fundraiser and friend.

MP for Richmond Park, Susan Kramer, said: “John’s sudden death is a huge loss to the community as well as the Liberal Democrats.

“As well as being a hero in Richmond for his bravery, he was a great campaigner for us.

“He was particularly concerned about Heathrow, and had studied the history of the airport and the plans for expansion.

“John will be much missed as a great friend and someone of whom we were all so proud.”

Chairwoman of south Richmond Liberal Democrats, Jill Grist, added: “Although he was alone after his wife Joan died, he was very much a part of the community. The church and the Liberal Democrats were his life and he was working for us right up to the day he died.

“We were so proud when he took on the two men who were trying to rob the jewellers, and John certainly took great pride in what he had done.

“We shall all miss him a lot.”

'Sense of duty was mark of the man'

Family and friends this week celebrated a man who spent his life helping and educating others.

Family member Peter Nicholson described William Grove as a “charmer” who, along with wife Joan, always busied himself for the benefit of those around him.

He said: “I think they believed in the concept of society and how you should put something back.” Reverend Cate Irvine, the vicar at St Matthias Church, which Mr Grove regularly attended, added: “If he saw someone new in church he would go and talk to them and tell them of the history of the place.

“He was a great participator.

“That was typical of him, he liked to be involved and know what was going on.

“He was part of several different communities.”

Friend and neighbour, Merel Kolfschoten, added: “Walking through Richmond with him was quite an experience.

“He was always greeting people because he knew so many and then he would suddenly disappear because he had spotted someone who looked lost.

“He considered it his duty to give people directions.”

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