Tributes paid to popular member of Whitchurch community

Roland "Roly" Wyatt was a life-long resident of the town, who was involved in a number of different organisations.

He died on January 3 at the age of 96.

Mr Wyatt's family said he was "a true gentleman", adding: "He will be sorely missed by all his family and his friends."

Following his National Service as a Royal Engineer, he joined the family firm of water engineers, Wyatt Bros, in 1948, becoming managing director before his retirement in 1988.

He was also a keen tennis player, originally a member of the Chester Road Bowls and Tennis Club where he met Kath. 

He then moved to the Hollies Tennis Club in Whitchurch in 1964, where he also served as secretary, captain, chairman and finally, president.  He eventually finished playing in 2005 at the age of 76. 

Mr Wyatt joined Whitchurch Rotary Club in 1955, holding various offices, including president in 1976/7.  He served on the District Committee for 18 years and was the administrator of the Lifeline Alarm Scheme from 1997 for over 20 years.

He served as the attendance officer of Whitchurch Rotary Club from 1975 until 2022.  He was created a Paul Harris Fellow in 1996 and was recognised for his outstanding service (68 years) to Rotary in 2023.

Alongside this, he was appointed as a magistrate in 1974, served as deputy chairman for some years, before retiring in 1999, and was also an active member of St Alkmund’s C of E Church throughout his life, including being a Sides Person for more than 70 years.

Mr Wyatt had moved to Bristol with his wife Kath at the end of 2024.

He is survived by Kath, his wife of 74 years, his three sons, Steve, Ian and Brian, eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

A private family funeral, followed by cremation, will take place in Bristol, with a later memorial service in Whitchurch.