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Dear friends and supporters,
It is with great sadness that I am writing to you to let you know that Tom Burns has passed away.
For those who did not know him personally, I can tell you that he was the first president of Age Concern Marbella-San Pedro.
He was a founding member of our branch, together with Stephen Brooksbanks, Don Lessor and Tony Bates. Unfortunately, they have all now passed on but we owe a debt of gratitude to them all for having the courage to start a brand new branch for Marbella and San Pedro.
With Tom as our first President, we were blessed with someone with tremendous success and experience in his business life. He knew the standards of professionalism he wanted to bring to the running of our charity and strove to surround himself with others who would uphold those standards.
His was President for our very successful Ball at the Melia Don Pepe in 2019, which raised enough money to help us to deliver on promises to help older people living in our community.
He was fond of saying that the biggest problem here was the poverty of loneliness and isolation of the older generation locally and our mission was to alleviate that.
We still adhere to that mission statement, it underlines almost everything we do. From coffee mornings, to lunches, the events in our Community Centre to coach trips.
He was a man of great intellect and integrity but with compassion and understanding for those who found themselves in difficult circumstances.
He was my mentor and moderator, an inspiration and a voice of common sense when that virtue is often needed. Most of all he was my friend and I shall miss him greatly.
His journey on this earth has ended, but the impact he made will continue through those who remember him. I will always remember his warmth and generosity.
Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go to his sons, Conor, Peter and Paul and to his extended family.
Once I have details of a service I will send those out promptly, as I am sure that there are many of you who will wish to attend.
With very best wishes,
Carol Woolnoth
President of Age Concern Marbella & San Pedro Branch
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