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A man who helped to build his town

Cremation took place at Amersham on Tuesday September 1 of Mr Cecil William Glenister, formerly of Nightingale Lodge, Berkhamsted. Mr Glenister, who was 86, died at Kilfillan Nursing Home, Berkhamsted, on August 26.

Mr Glenister's death closed a small chapter of Hemel Hempstead's history, write Councillor Len Hopkins, of Little Gaddesden.

Educated at Berkhamsted School, Mr Glenister joined the family firm of E & G Glenister, builders at 144 Marlowes and soon became its mainspring, until compulsory purchase to make way for the New Town closed the business.

On the principle of "if you can't beat them, join them" he then became part of the technical team in the Estates Department where his building expertise was invaluable. He retired in 1971.

In 1952 he was appointed a director of the Hemel Hempstead Building Society, retiring in 1985. His contribution to community life extended beyond commerce and finance.

An automatic appointment as a result of his school OTC led to service with the Home Guard during the war.

He became a trustee of Hemel Hempstead's United Charities in 1964, until he again retired in 1987. He was made a Life Member of NALGO in 1971 and was for many years a member of the Probus Club.

A prominent member of local Masonry, he was Master of Gloriana Lodge in 1957 and Principal of King Henry VIII Chapter in 1972. He was Officer in the Provincial Grand Lodge of Hertfordshire and Life Governor of the Masonic Benevolent Association.

A keen sportsman, excelling in tennis and badminton, there is a picture of Cecil in the 1919 Rugby team - the first "edition" of the Camelots.

With his wife Irene May he celebrated his golden wedding in 1979, although he was widowed in 1983. They had no children.

Mr Glenister moved to Kilfillan House in 1990.

Said Councillor Hopkins: "Cecil was a simple man, but with a great deal of sound common sense and an ability to cut straight through to the heart of any problem. Quiet and reserved, he had an inbuilt gentleness with unswerving integrity and loyalty to any cause he served. He bore his afflictions bravely and will be long remembered by his friends and colleagues.