Born London, November 3, 1925. Died Harrogate, October 1, 2008, aged 82.
December 23, 2008 11:30By
Life president of Harrogate Hebrew Congregation for the past eight years, Sandy (Samuel) Royston was a focal member of the community, writes Ruth Leslie.
He first stayed in Harrogate in 1938 and celebrated his barmitzvah there when his nervous Polish immigrant parents left London’s vulnerable East End for the spa, which his rheumatic mother knew from earlier treatments.
Returning briefly to London, he had to learn a different portion for a second barmitzvah to appease the disgruntled elders of Sydney Street shul. But back in Harrogate in 1939, he assisted the chazan with his melodious voice, musical ear and extra training.
He learnt guitar and played in local dance bands while apprenticed at an optical factory in York.
Serving as a corporal in Germany in the RAF from 1945-48, he was made a bi-lingual MC . As a Yiddish speaker, he had learned German easily at school.
Based in the North Sea island of Sylt, he formed and led the Sylt Swingtette Station Orchestra. Briefly stationed in the former home of Nazi strongman Herman Goering, he found the first night “eerie” but then felt “smug”.
Once demobilised, he became a commercial traveller in furniture, where he exploited his inventive mind and ability to use space. With his wife, Anita Margolin, whom he married in 1951, he established A.S. Royston Ltd in 1970, making furniture fittings.
They sold the highly successful business in 1986. Three years later he suffered a heart attack. This did not halt the couple’s increasing involvement in the community. They also built up a small property business started by Anita’s father.
Their home in Harrogate was regularly used for Wizo functions, of which Anita is the long-serving chairman and a former national executive member. Sandy supported her enthusiastically, solving any technical problems.
He brought the same qualities to the executive of Harrogate Hebrew Congregation, starting as treasurer in 1966. He held his first presidency in 1977, becoming life president in 2000. He collapsed on the second day of Rosh Hashanah.
He is survived by his wife, Anita; two sons, Brian and Eric; daughter Judi; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
To get more news, click here to sign up for our free daily newsletter.