Throughout his latter years Ron could be found most days taking afternoon tea, firstly at Freddie’s cafe on St James Street and subsequently at Charles Street where we shared tea and biscuits. Friends knew where to find him at this time, and his amiable nature ensured he always made new friendships and acquaintances.
RON was born in London, his father being a railways union official and his mother a seamstress for various West End stores.
During WWII the family were evacuated first to Dover and then to Wales. He was called up to the army late in the war but was soon released on health grounds.
Ron spent his working life in catering, working in the early years at various Joe Lyons Corner Houses in the West End and what sounds like a pretty disreputable hotel in Earls Court (late entrance through the basement kitchen).
He then worked mostly on railway company dining cars of which his memories and tales were legion, including his favourite story of a certain Royal Princess who, on a long journey to an official engagement, became bored with being alone in a first class compartment and came to the kitchen car for a chat and joined in the washing up.
As dining cars slowly disappeared his final job was with the newly formed British Telecom, as a telephone operator.
Ron came to live in Hove twenty-seven years ago as, at that time, many of his London circle of friends were doing.
Unfortunately he contracted severe flu just before Christmas and died on January 13 of pneumonia complications.
Friends old and new celebrated his life and memory at Down’s crematorium in a touching service on February 10.
Ron will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by them all.
Obituary written by Ray Gregson
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