RAINHILL Rotary Club has paid a touching tribute to one of its longest serving members, Geoff Slater.

Born in 1938, Geoff served in the Navy as part of his National Service conscription where he was able to learn Russian and Russian communications.

He later became a solicitor for the well known St Helens firm Barrow and Cook, and rising the ranks to eventually become the senior partner of the firm. 

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St Helens Star: Geoff was a much-loved member of the rotary clubGeoff was a much-loved member of the rotary club (Image: Rainhill Rotary)
With a charitable personality and desire to support the community, Geoff joined local Round Table and Rotary clubs to help raise funds for local charities and organisations.

Following his work with St Helens Rotary club, he joined the Rainhill group in July 1990 and after serving a year as club president in 1996-97, he went on to become one of the most-loved and longest-serving members of the group.

The dad-of-two was also a founding member of Rainhill Civic Society and was involved in community projects right before up to his death, on Wednesday, January 24, at the age of 86.

In a statement about Geoff and his life, the Rainhill Rotary Club said: "Round Table and Rotary were a big part of Geoff’s life. Round Table nights often ended with Geoff playing a medley of tunes on the piano and everybody singing along - 'Those were the days'!

"Geoff loved the social as well as the service aspects of the club. He was always very proud that it was his suggestion to hold the Bonfire and Fireworks Display at Rainhill Hospital.

"The first year they collected money from each car as it entered the gate but so many vehicles were trying to get in that the roads right through the village were blocked. The police said they had to let cars in without payment!

"Geoff enjoyed the camaraderie and always felt pleased that the Rainhill Club was thriving at a time when many clubs could not attract new members."

The much-loved Rotary member leaves behind his wife Anne, along with daughters Alison and Wendy. The community is invited to pay their respects at his funeral at St Ann's Church in Rainhill, at 1pm on Thursday, February 15.