Many people who improved the lives of those around them sadly die each year, we have taken a look back at seven beloved locals we lost in 2022.
Paul Spencer - 'Potts' a fondly remembered teacher described as "the best the school ever had"
Art teacher and potter in residence at Aldenham School Paul Spencer, known as “Potts” by pupils, died on May 9.
Headmaster James Fowler, paying tribute at the time, said: “Everyone at Aldenham is deeply saddened by the news.
"Paul contributed immensely to the life and activity of the school."
Betty Shaer - Much loved mother and grandmother whose death in a crash sparked safety measures
Betty Shaer, 89, was struck in Hempstead Road on May 20.
Her family said: “Betty was the much-loved mother of Jo and Caroline and grandmother of Anna and Jono.
“After the death of her husband, Victor, in February 2021 she was determined to remain in the family home she loved, supported by her family and neighbours.
"She will be sadly missed.”
Gerald McLaughlin - "Outstanding player" and advocate for walking football
Gerald McLaughlin, known as Ged, died aged 64 from heart failure due to Amyloidosis, in September. His family organised a fundraiser to help research the genetic disease.
The lifelong Watford resident and football fanatic loved playing for Watford Walking Football after a lifetime of involvement in the town's grassroots game.
Ben Bray - "Larger than life" avid Hornets fan who died after a crash
Ben Bray, from Bushey, passed away after a black Piaggio scooter collided with a lamp post along Little Bushey Lane on November 3.
Paying tribute to him, his family said: “Ben was known and loved by many people in the local area and best known for his lifelong passion for Watford Football Club.”
At a home game against Coventry, an applause took place in the 35th minute in Mr Bray's memory.
Gill Hollander – “Inspirational” driving force behind hospice
Gill Hollander, who passed away on November 25, was one of the driving forces behind the establishment of what became Peace Hospice Care, and remained a loyal and committed supporter of the charity for more than 30 years.
After helping set up the hospice she became its first chair of trustees, worked tirelessly to raise money, and even persuaded royalty to become involved.
Stanislao Corrado - Beloved waiter and loving father
Stanislao Corrado passed away on December 11 at the age of 51, and those who knew him paid tribute to a man who “made problems seem trivial”.
Stanislao, known as Stani, worked at L’artista in High Street for more than a decade and his name will be left on the restaurant's till forever, to remember him.
Michael Bird - “Kind, gentle, and joyous" church volunteer who died after a stroke
Michael Bird died on December 20 at Watford General Hospital from an intracranial bleed and was remembered for his impact in the community, particularly through Soul Survivor Church, in Greycaine Road.
In his role on the traffic team he was described as “the first smiling face that people saw when coming to church”.
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