BY Harlow Herald

A "CARING" man who dedicated his life to diving and helping others has died aged 68, following a heart attack at Leventhorpe Pool and Gym in Sawbridgeworth.

Ian Juniper of The Maples, Harlow, was swimming at the pool last Wednesday when he suffered a heart attack.

Ambulance crews were called at 2pm after lifeguards raised the alarm and went to help rescue Mr Juniper from the pool. A crew, emergency care practitioner, rapid response vehicle and the Essex Air Ambulance attended.

Air ambulance paramedic Laurie Phillipson said: "Before the helicopter arrived, everything possible was being done to save the man's life. Despite the efforts of those on scene, the outcome was sadly fatal and our thoughts are with his family."

Mr Juniper leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Beth, two married sons in their 30s and three grandchildren. He became a grandfather for the second time just five days before he died and his third grandchild was born the day after his death.

"The family appreciate all the effort involved in trying to resuscitate Ian," said Mrs Juniper. "And thank all concerned for the lengths they went to in order to try to revive him."

She added: "Ian was a caring, energetic person, who worked hard at everything he became involved with. We will all miss him dreadfully."

Mr Juniper was one of the early members of Harlow Sub Aqua Club (SAC) when he joined in 1963. Last year he celebrated his 50th year of diving.

"We are all devastated by the news," said Harlow SAC secretary Tracy Crump. "Ian was a real character in the club, for which he had done so much. He was the membership secretary, always running dive-related courses and was even considering standing as chairman again."

Harlow SAC chairman Jim Ridings said: "Many active divers can thank Ian for their training, encouragement and energy he gave over the years and will be sadly missed."

Some highlights of his diving career include becoming the fifth person in the country to gain the British SAC's advanced instructor qualification, (there are now 3000 advanced instructors) and the weekend before his death, he became a diver coxon assessor; a skill he never got the chance to use.

He was also a keen swimmer, skier and cyclist, but despite his thirst for sport, he found time to help set up the Residents' Association for The Maples. He has been the treasurer since 1969 and regularly helped neighbours.

For the last 20 years he worked as an electronic design engineer at Pitney Bowes, specialising in franking machines.

Mr Ridings added: "Ian's death was a shock to us all, but we can gain some solace from the fact that Ian ended his life doing what he loved best: being in the water."

l A service will be held on May 1 at 2.30pm at St James' Church in Staple Tye.

Donations can be made to the RNLI or the Herts & Essex Air Ambulance via Daniel Robinson Funeral Service in Harlow.

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