A FORMER mayor who dedicated his life to serving the community has died, aged 92.

Robert Caton, who was Mayor of Watford from 1972-73 and as Deputy Mayor the following year, took great pride in his public service.

The decorated officer spent 25 years in the Royal Navy, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander in his time there.

He was part of the liberation of Jersey in

and was one of those involved in liberation of Jersey in the Second World War and was invited to take part in the 70th anniversary commemoration at Westminster Abbey two years ago where he was introduced to Prince Charles.

In his career he worked for the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors making sure that the bereaved families of surveyors were provided for.

He managed to stay in touch with some of the people he had helped in his role, and even received a letter a week before he died from one person who he helped.

lives he touched, and only weeks ago his daughter Julie Gorrie said she found a letter sent by one of the

He served from 1961 to 1974 on Watford Borough Council and was committed to improving the community.

Julie said: “He enjoyed performing his duty for the town.

“Throughout his life he looked after anyone who needed help.

“He was married to my mother Jean for 65 years, which was lovely and she was incredibly supportive of everything he did.

“He never learned to drive as he didn’t see any reason for it, but if he was walking back from the station, he would always be able to get a lift from someone he knew.”

Lt Cdr Caton was heavily involved in rugby in his lifetime, and was a life-long supporter of Watford FC and continued to attend matches for as long as his health permitted.

Mayor of Watford, Dorothy Thornhill said: “Robert was the last of a special breed, a true gent.

“Despite illness over recent years he still came to many civic events and it was a pleasure to see him. He will be missed.”

Even after his naval service, Lt Cdr Caton retained a love of the sea, and would take every opportunity to swim in fresh water.

The funeral service will take place in the North Chapel of West Herts Crematorium at 12.40pm on Friday, August 18.

The family have asked that any flowers or donations to be given to The Peace Hospice.