Crawley leader lays wreath at Cenotaph

There have been many proud moments in Paul Stilgoe’s life – the day he married his wife Janet, buying his first home, and the birth of his six children for a start - but a recent visit to Whitehall, London is up there with the best of them. Currently working for the RSPCA as Operations Superintendent for South East England - one of their most senior positions - Paul was asked by his employers to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph on Sunday, 11th November 2013 in commemoration of RSPCA officers who lost their lives in past wars. Having the opportunity to participate in the nation’s Remembrance Day services is a privilege that comes to very few, and Paul feels honoured to have been selected to take part.

“It was a very special moment for me. When Big Ben chimed at 11 o’clock and the first canon fired to mark the start of the two minute’s silence, total stillness fell upon the thousands gathered along Whitehall. It was so quiet you could hear the rustling of leaves in the trees. It was a great privilege to be able to pay my respects along with thousands of others.”

Outside of work, Paul plays an active part in the leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in his local area. He serves as a leader for the Crawley congregations, where he has special responsibility for Public Affairs. Prior to marrying, he served a two year proselyting mission to Ireland, and he and Janet have recently waved goodbye to their son Josh who is now serving a two year mission for the Church in Johannesburg, South Africa.

“Josh is our third and youngest son and is following in his older brothers’ footsteps by serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” Paul explained. “He is involved in something special, and I am pleased and proud of the work he is doing.”

Paul Stilgoe has experienced many proud moments in his life, and it looks as though there are many more still to come.