HE was born and died in the same house in Shirley, but packed in a fulfilled life of travel, sport and teaching in between.

Former Glen Eyre / Cantell School teacher Joe House led London school boys in the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics in 1948, kayaked down the River Wye in the UK and the Rivers Moselle and Rhine in Germany, sailed to the Isle of Wight on a dinghy his brother had built and went mountaineering in Scotland, Wales and the Lake District.

He also travelled extensively in Europe, Russia and the USA and had a keen interest in photography.

Born in 1928, one of seven siblings, he attended St Mark’s School and King Edward VI School and was evacuated to Poole and Bournemouth during World War II.

A sergeant in the Royal Army Education Corps, he became a PE and religious instruction teacher in London before moving back to Southampton in the 70s to look after his poorly father.

A lifelong bachelor, he was a keen church goer and City Life Church in Burgess Road was a big part of his life. Joe was best man for three of his brothers.

Described by one of his nieces as having a mischievous sense of humour with a cheeky smile and a delightful sparkle in his eyes as he told his tales, he died aged 91.

A much loved brother, uncle and friend, his funeral has already taken place. Donations to the Leprosy Mission in his honour can be directed to RC Payne & Son in Bitterne.