Carnivalite Denis Cavill, from Bridgwater, passed away last month

Denis Cavill, who was 94-years-old, unexpectedly died on May 29.

Mr Cavill was well-known in the Bridgwater community, but mainly for his work with the carnival.

In 1936, he fell in love with carnival on The Hope Inn Carnival Club float.

He stood as club captain, chairman and finally president when the club became the Crusaders CC.

In 1972, Mr Cavill joined the Bridgwater Carnival Committee. He was catering officer, chairman, president and concert box office manager.

He rarely missed a meeting and was well-known for asking questions others realised they should have asked.

Mike Crocker, Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival president, said: “Denis was a true carnivalite, but more than that, a good friend and true gentleman.”

Mr Cavill was also a keen sportsman. He played cricket for Bridgwater and was a founder member and captain of the Bridgwater Wayfarers, and more recently, the Bridgwater Dragons.

He played for Bridgwater and Albion’s United team and joined the first supporters club when it formed in 1951 acting as treasurer for a number of years.

He continued watching Albion’s home fixtures right up to the lockdown.

He was also an accomplished league skittles and snooker player.

In 1985, he took up bowls at Eastover Park Bowling Club, and became club captain, chairman, treasurer and life member. He finally retired as a player at 89-years-old.

The bowling club has been flying its flag at half mast since they heard Mr Cavill had passed away.

Alongside Joyce, his late wife, Mr Cavill organised the old time music hall shows at the town hill, and raised funds for The Hope Inn and Vagabonds Carnival Clubs.

Mr Cavill leaves behind his daughter Julia, her partner Richard, and two granddaughters, Jessica and Stephanie.

Hi family said: “He will be missed by all of his family and friends, who were incredibly proud and grateful to have known him.”

He was also a Coldstream Guardsman. He served for them in 1945 and stood guard at Buckingham Palace.

For many years he was a member and vice chairman of the Guards Association at the Taunton and Yeovil branch.

From a young age Mr Cavill loved the Quantock Hills and recently followed the Quantock Staghounds in his own vehicle.

His family and friends have said Mr Cavill was a generous man. And on his 90th birthday, he raised £620 for the air ambulance.

Mr Cavill's funeral arrangements are being made by Robson and Stephens. Instead of flowers, Mr Cavill has asked for donations to be made to the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance and the British Heart Foundation.