A former soldier and policeman who lived in the same village all of his life has died at the age of 90.

Brian Hyde spent his whole life in Patchetts Green and Aldenham but on May 1, he died in Hemel Hempstead hospital following a stroke in March.

Brought up in Aldenham, living in Pegmire Lane, Mr Hyde spent his early years in the choir at Aldenham Church.

In 1945, he was called up for national service. While in Germany, he met his first wife and the pair returned to Hertfordshire.

Once back in England, Mr Hyde joined the police force, where he remained for 30 years. He began out as a police constable, eventually becoming a Detective Sergeant in South Oxhey. Throughout his career, he was also stationed in Rickmansworth, Watford, St Albans, and Hemel Hempstead.

Borehamwood Times:

But it his work and time spent in the Aldenham community that the wildlife and gardening enthusiast is most remembered for.

In the mid 1960’s, he began a business at Roundbush nursery, where he lived up until his death.

Mr Hyde immersed himself in activities in Aldenham, sharing his vast knowledge of the area. He created VE days in the village where he would organise for former residents of Aldenham to come back for reunions.

On Remembrance Sunday in Letchmore Heath, he would read the names out of the fallen servicemen and women who lost their lives at war.

The grandfather was also known for his charity work and was chairman of Mencop, a special needs charity.

Borehamwood Times:

His son, Brian Hyde Jr, paid tribute to his father.

He said: “Each individual is unique but my dad was a larger than life character who gained respect from all kinds of people.

“I don’t think there is anyone left in Aldenham and the surrounding area that has the knowledge of local and national history that my dad did. His knowledge was vast and amazing.

“He lived such a wonderful life and I have huge admiration for my dad. He meant everything to me and my family.

“My dad was by best mate and my best man at my wedding. The respect I had for him was far beyond comprehension.”

Mr Hyde was a father of three, grandfather of nine, and also took on responsibility of two daughters of Brian Hyde Jr’s mother – who died in 2005.

Mr Hyde’s funeral will take place at Aldenham Church on May 16 at 10.30am. Before then, a procession will leave the garden nursery where he lived, which will be led by Scottish pipers.