Len Short, 87, remembered as a true Torquay character

Tributes have been paid to well-known Torquay resident and community campaigner Len Short who has died aged 87.

Len, who lived in Torre for a large chunk of his life, loved the beach, sea and the countryside.

He was also interested in politics and was a leading member of a various community groups including 'Save the Pavilion and Cary Green'.

He was also a prolific writer of letters to the local press.

Daughter Cala said: "Dad had a great life. He didn't want much so he did everything he wanted to. 

"He never worked overtime, always wanting to be out in the countryside or on the beach with his family. 

"He took early retirement and had almost 30 years although sadly 19 years without our mum. He taught us to find pleasure in the simplest things. 

"Everywhere I go I remember things he taught me,  picking blackberries and apples for free and swimming in the sea, looking in rock pools, following a path to find a great view. 

He was also passionate about politics and animal welfare, he often wrote letters to the newspaper. He supported his local community."

Len was born in 1938 to Agnes and Fred Short. A younger brother to Doreen, John, Ron and Ivor. Austin was born a couple years later but sadly died when Len was four.

The Shorts grew up at Number 41 South Street, in Torre, Torquay, although they had strong Welsh roots from their mother - Len first went to school in Nantymoel and learnt a little Welsh.

He went to Torre School and then Torquay Boys' Grammar gaining three O-levels and enjoyed playing football and starting his lifelong love of weight-training. 

After a few jobs he joined the RAF for five years.

In 1960 he won the South West Light heavyweight weightlifting title and for several years held Devon records, his last being in 1981 although he refereed for many years. 

He then started running in fun runs, half marathons and ran a marathon in 3hr 57mins.

Weightlifting led to him meeting wife-to-be Marion. After eight years of courting they married in 1968. They bought the family home in Upton and welcomed Cala, Mardie and Klein to complete the family. 

Len was very involved in the children's schools, sitting on three different PTAs and organising treasure hunts as well as helping with homework.

After leaving the RAF in 1961 he started at Wiltshires quarry as a forklift driver.

He then moved to SWEB -South West Electricity board- at Old Woods trading estate and then Watcombe. He took early retirement in 1997.

In 1978 the family took on a beach hut named ‘Winkleshell’, after the previous owner Mr. Winkle, on Corbyn Head which they had for over 40 years and where they spent most of their time swimming, sunbathing, exploring the caves and firework nights. Len started swimming all year round in the sea and was joined by Marion and her sister Jackie and several friends until poor health prevented him in the last couple of years. Daughter Cala continues the family tradition with her cousin Lisa. 

All the family would take part in the Torquay regatta long distance swims from Torre Abbey to Corbyn Head. Len was first in the veterans race a few times and Mardie was the youngest finisher on her first attempt at the age of eight.

They had close connections with Torquay Leander swimming club.

As well as the beach Len would lead the family on exploring the moors and countryside.

He had firm beliefs and would often write letters to the local newspapers and MPs. He helped campaign groups like ‘Save the Pavilion and Cary Green', Animal welfare (becoming a vegetarian), Friends of the Earth, local community groups and the Liberal democrats to name a few. 

He was also very generous to many charities including Animals Asia, Amnesty International, Deaf and Blind and Orphan charities. With Marion he welcomed underprivileged children from inner cities to holiday in Torquay.

Len spent his last few months in Aveland Care home and passed away peacefully.

His family would like to thank everyone for attending his funeral and for all the good wishes and memories.