Harold Becker passed away in 2007, at the age of 98 years, the Scouting centenary year. The trial camp at Brownsea Island was in 1907, but it was not until the following year that it really took off - The year of Harold's birth!

In his formative years Harold dreamt of reaching the age of eleven, when he would be eligible to join the scouts. However, most fortunately for Harold, Baden Powell introduced Wolf Cubs in 1916 and so Harold was able to join the 4th Muswell Hill Wolf Cubs Pack at the age of 8 - a real original. Little did he think that this was the beginning of a lifetime's connection with the movement?

In due course Harold moved to the 66th North London, 1st Hornsey Scout Troop and in time became a patrol leader of the Owl Patrol. From scouts he moved naturally into Rovers and it wasn't long before he was asked to help out as an Assistant Cub Master. Following his marriage Harold moved to a village in Kent where he undertook the duties of Assistant Scout Master and within six months he was running the troop.

From 1935 until 1940 he was Scout Master at Petts Wood Scout Group.

With the advent of the war in 1939, most of Harold's spare time was taken up as a Civil Defence Instructor, for which he was awarded the British Empire Medal, but he still kept in touch with scouting through the Baden Powell Guild, forerunner of the Scout Fellowship.

In 1957 he was invited to become a member of staff organising the scout Silver Jubilee Jamboree at Sutton Coldfield, a most prestigious appointment.

His introduction to Crowborough scouting was rather interesting. He was preparing himself for a hiking holiday in Canada with a former scouting colleague and decided that he should have his feet looked at by a Chiropodist. As it turned out the Chiropodist was the retiring Secretary of the Crowborough scout district and was looking for a replacement, and so, Harold began his stint in that post.

Harold Becker was part of the Crowborough District team as Secretary, Treasurer, Leader Training and very definitely the District Commissioner’s right hand man for 13 years (1968-1981). Needless to say it worked like clockwork. Harold was such a brilliant organiser, totally dedicated to the task.

Then when Ashdown District was created, combining Crowborough and Uckfield Districts, he was Ashdown District Secretary for 16 years (1981-1999).
Harold became the first Vice President and then on the death of Tank Hemens in 1989, President, in addition he was made County Vice President.

He was also the driving force behind starting the Jarvis Brook Scout Group.

In his life time Harold met every Chief Scout, including the Founder Lord Baden Powell and Lady Baden Powell. There were exceptions, these being Lord Somers, also the present incumbent and his predecessor.

In his final years Harold continued his interest in all things related to scouting and was at his happiest when a Scouter would visit and bring him news of their activities.

There cannot be too many individuals who have given 82 years service to the scout movement. The community, but scouting in particular, has lost a truly committed Christian and a man of immense integrity.
Harold was also a very active member of the Masons.

The Funeral Service for Harold was held on 21st March at St. Michael's Church, Jarvis Brook. Full uniform was worn where appropriate.