Big Turnout in Memory of Ossie
Scouters turned out in their hundreds to pay tribute and their respects
Ossie passed away peacefully on 29th December 2024.
There were over 170 people in attendance at Ossie’s funeral service at Hanworth Crematorium yesterday, 21st February, most of the congregation in current and vintage Scout uniforms and emblems. This large turnout is a testament to Ossie’s reach across the District.
A Guard of Honour, comprising Scout flags from all over the District lined the entrance of the chapel. This pageantry 
was reminiscent of District St. George’s Day Parades of the past, which, of course Ossie himself often acted as captain of the District Colour Party. We think he would have been proud of this parade.
The service included a very touching tribute to Ossie’s life, his remarkable adventures and his outstanding achievements 
both with the Scouts and in his lifelong connection with the railways, from his beginnings as a porter at St Margarets station to the pinnacle of his career as a station master at London Waterloo.
Our own Scouting obituary was included – you can read it again here
The congregation exited to the tune of ‘Here Comes the Sun’ – a fitting reference to one of Ossie’s favourite ways to relax.
After the service, guests were invited to a reception held at 1st Whitton Scout hall to share more memories and stories. 
The hall was decorated with ‘Ossie Bunting’ created by the joining together (with a reef knot naturally!) of his collection of group scarves. A table was laid out with his collection of badges, vintage Scouting books and some interesting archive papers which sparked further conversations.
Scouts and former Scouts of every age were there. As well as current Leaders and Young People from all over the District, guests included the County Lead Volunteer and especially welcome were former members of 1st St Margarets Scout Group – one even wore his original ISTMAR Rover Scout shirt, scarf and woggle.
We feel sure that Ossie would have been pleased with his day – but we can also hear him grumbling and wondering what all the fuss was about!
The family asked for any donations to be made to either Diabetes UK or Richmond upon Thames District Scouts.
Details of donations can be found here: https://lodge.afuneralnotice.com/n/86ad6f08
Order of Service
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What should we do with those donations?
The District Team feels that we should keep Ossie’s name and memory alive and are open to suggestions.
If you have a view or a different idea please get in touch.
Ideas currently include:
- A garden bench in full sun (which he would have definitely used!) or
- A Sports Trophy or Cup in his name to be awarded to one or more YP annually. (He was famous for his volleyball competitions)
- A fund in his name to help one or more YP achieve their goal (similar to the current Vic Dominy Fund for camps)