HE helped shape the lives of thousands of youngsters as captain of the local boys brigade. 

Patrick O'Sullivan, who was the long-standing captain of the 8th Southampton Boys Brigade, has died aged 90.

Captain Pat, as he was affectionately known, was also a highly regarded member of St John Ambulance and worked in various city shops during his career.

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Pat was born in Butts Road, Sholing in 1932. Family life was interrupted by World War II and Pat was evacuated to Somerset while two of his three sisters were sent to the New Forest. 

His conscript rejection, due to his physique, did not keep Pat out of uniform. 

He joined St John Ambulance and enjoyed helping out at matches at The Dell and events at local theatres and cinemas. 

It was his first-aid skills that led him to join the 8th Southampton Boys Brigade, eventually becoming captain. 

Weekend and annual camps were the highlight of the year and Pat loved to conquer Snowdon, while encouraging young people to summit with him.

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Nephew Mike Carter, who worked alongside Pat as his lieutenant for nearly three decades, said: "The day Pat died the world lost a truly gentle caring person with a good sense of humour.

"Pat was one of the good ones and the lives he influenced were many. He will be missed by all who knew him. 

Pat began his career working at a pawnbroker shop on St Mary's Street, before moving across the road to Bosley's bicycle retail and repair shop. The skills he learned there meant he was able to build bikes from scratch.

He later worked as a warehouseman at United Builders Merchants in Thornhill and for Russells, a family hardware store, before his retirement.

Pat loved to travel, catching the bug when family moved to America for a few years. He also holidayed in Canada, and across Europe.

His funeral took place at Holy Saviour Church, Bitterne. Mike gave Captain Pat a final salute before placing both their caps into Pat's grave.

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