Mr Geoffrey Douglas Segar Leeds

Died 12th July 2023, aged 98

Geoffrey Douglas Segar Leeds (Segar’s, 1938-1942)

The following obituary was kindly provided by Geoffrey’s Godson, Alan Stone-Wigg.

 

Geoffrey Douglas Leeds was born on September 24 1924.

Born in Windsor to a talented organist who played at Windsor Chapel, Geoffrey went to preschool at Eton. He then went onto St Edward’s School, Oxford. By the time Geoffrey had reached 18, war had begun and there was no hesitation in joining the navy. He went on a quick course to become an officer, a lot of his training was in Scotland on Loch Ailort. This began his love for Scotland, and it became his preferred holiday destination in his later years, enjoying in particular the West Coast. Finishing his training in Scotland Geoffrey was posted to Dartmouth and then Plymouth, before being sent to Egypt. Following this, Geoffrey spent time fighting the war in the Mediterranean where he was involved with some  tricky skirmishes while deployed on a landing craft number 582 serving as a midshipman. At the end of the war Geoffrey spent some final months sailing ships back to New York for a new life as other vessels.

Heading to Kenya, East Africa in 1953,  Geoffrey started a new life as a labour officer, and this was to last 10 years. During this period in Kenya, the rumblings of discontent started, and it migrated into what became known as the Mau-Mau war. Geoffrey was called up for war a second time.

After a decade in Kenya  the British Government offered Geoffrey a job in Nyasaland (now called Malawi) this is where he met Beryl, his wife to be, who was working for the British Government as a secretary to the Governor General. After a couple of years Geoffrey was asked to become the Government representative in Rhodesia (now called Zimbabwe) and they both became citizens  living in Salisbury. Geoffrey’s role soon changed to raising money for Freedom from Hunger. This role became full time, and he did it without being paid. He was one of life’s givers not takers, and this generous philanthropy was evident right to the end.

After 22 years living in 3 different African countries, Geoffrey & Beryl settled on the Isle of Man and this was to become a place he loved. He was a keen walker and before frailty set in, he literally had  walked the whole island. Committed to vocational activities Geoffrey became busy supporting & donating to Save the Children – he was instrumental in actually buying the first shop based in Ramsey. He also was a long-standing member and keen supporter of the Manx Wildlife Trust.

He died peacefully on July 12, having been kindly cared for by the staff at Brookfield Nursing home in Ramsey on the Isle of Man.

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