Tributes have been paid to the President of the Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton Scout District Dennis 'Bosun' Williamson, who passed away last month aged 91.

For over 50 years Dennis dedicated vast amounts of his own free time volunteering to provide fun and adventure for the young people of Exmouth & Budleigh Salterton, along with his late wife Ruby who was the Akela of the 1st Exmouth Cubs.

Dennis first became a Scout leader in Singapore back in 1966. On his return to the UK, he would always tell us that a letter was waiting for him asking him to volunteer with the Scouts in Exmouth. He signed up to help with the 3rd Exmouth on 21st August 1967.

Dennis, or as the Scouting world knew him 'Bosun', held the role of 3rd Exmouth Scout Leader until he retired in 1997. Other leaders would openly admit he ran the best troop in the District. He was also an Assistant District Commissioner during which time he organised camps for Scouts from all Troops across the District, including 'Woodjam' and 'Dewerstone' which run to this day.

After retiring from the role of Scout Leader, Dennis took on the roles of 3rd Exmouth Scout Group Chairman, then District Chairman before becoming the District President in 2017.

Many people from across the District have paid tribute to Dennis. Iain Todd, Group Scout Leader for the 3rd Exmouth, who was both a Scout of Dennis’s and a Leader alongside him said: “Dennis imparted skills to me that have shaped who I am today. I will always be grateful to have had the opportunity to know him.” Leaders from the 5th Exmouth Sea Scouts said: “He was one of the Scout Leaders I had an enormous amount of respect for when I was a Scout and a Leader," “a fine man who had great enthusiasm for Scouting,” and simply  'a legend'.

Scout Active Support Manager, Stuart Wilson, who was both in Dennis’s Scout Troop and his wife Ruby’s Cub Pack, said: “Both Dennis and Ruby did so much for me as a child. I have such fond memories of my days as a Cub and a Scout. As well as the local camps Dennis took us to International Jamborees in Cheshire and Shropshire, and we had weeks away in various parts of Wales. I continue to volunteer with the Scouts to try and give today’s young people some of the amazing experiences I had.”

Some tributes from Dennis’s former Scouts include “Top man, great inspiration”, and “A massive thank you from me as he really was one of the kindest, most supportive and encouraging role models to have in your life growing up.” One who later became a Leader said: “Bosun gave me so many opportunities in my youth including a trip to South America. You inspired me to pick up the mantle and also do nearly a decade of being a leader. How you did so many years I'll never know, and always admire.”

Parents of some of Dennis’s former Scouts said: “Dennis & Ruby were influential on all of my family, they both gave so much to so many young people in the town for a very long time.” and: “Such a wonderful gentleman, RIP Bosun.”

Dennis sadly passed away in early January. His funeral was held last week with leaders from the Scouts, along with members of the Royal Marines Association, forming a Guard of Honour. Dennis’s son Andy said: “Dad had three passions in life – his family, the Marines, and the Scouts. He put his heart and soul into Scouting. His greatest joy was talking about some of his Scouts of the past. He never forgot a face or a name, even after 50 years!”

Whilst Dennis may now have 'gone home' - as is traditional to say when Scouts pass away - his Scouting legacy lives on through those who he dedicated his time to. Thank you Bosun!