Kenneth Hunter (11 Dec 1931 - 27 Jul 2023)

Merry Christmas Grandad, we watched The Chase this morning! Love Sara and Casey xx

Happy Birthday Grandad, we hope you have a great time up there with all your family. We miss you Love Sara and Casey xx

Hi big grandad this is lev you don’t know how much I miss you and I want to say a few things to you I know I live far away but each time I came to England I kept thinking about going on walk with you you always love to go out in nature and always going out so I want to share some memories with you let’s start I remember in 2019 when we went to go see you for your bday but it was Covid times so we had a far distance and you always calling me and telling me how puss cat kept scratching your head it was really funny and you always watching the war stuff on Telly and you always having tea and biscuits love love R.I.P. big grandad

My dearest 'Gandi'
I miss you so much. Not a day goes by when I don't think of you. I am in still in disbelief you're no longer here. Hope you are having fun up there. RIP = love you with all my heart xxxx

Here is the Eulogy that was read out at his funeral.

Ken was born at Kerrs Buildings on Westfield Lane Mansfield on 11th Dec 1931

He was the eldest of 5 brothers, Brian, Don, Keith, Ray, Sister Sheila, Maureen died when 7 years old in 1941.

Attended Catholic school Westfield Lane, and enjoyed time there. Moved to Maltby Road when he was 6 years old, attended Carter Lane school, hated every minute of it due to the headmaster Mr Naylor who wasn't very nice.
On one occasion Ken had the cane on his fingers for not taking a note to school when his sister Maureen had died when he missed a day.
He ran home with badly bruised fingers and his dad (still in his pit muck as he'd just come from work) went up to school and gave him some fist, and then threw his bike over the fence.
The school bobby came round to the house later but nothing more was done. Then went on to Ravensdale School and enjoyed it much more.

He enjoyed the early years, being with local lads, camping on Strawberry Knoll, cycling to Skegness and took himself off toJudo club at Nottingham.

Joined the army cadets at 13 1/2 years, youngest sergeant at 16 in 3rd Battalion Mansfield.

He left school and went to work at Hornbys Bottling plant in Mansfield, wore clogs. Worked with a lady nearly 80 on a bottle washing plant from 7-5pm, 2 years there.

Went to Peggs Transport on Lorries then joined Army (National Service) 1950- 17th/21st lancers at Catterick.

Sent to Germany , 1st Royal Tank Regiment in Detmold - gunner/ driver - 2 years. Left in 1952, Dan was in poor health.
Went to Meadow Foundry for 4 years.

His dad died in 1956, then he went to the Crown Farm Pit for training, then several other pits on development and coal face as Charge Hand.

Ken married Muriel in 1956 and had three children, Kim, Carol and Kevin. When Muriel left him in 1969 he brought up his children and went back to work at Crown Farm as it was close to home.

His first week's work was £20, his previous wage on development was £100. It was a struggle from then on money wise but he always remained in work and made sure they had a hot meal to come home to.

His Children married, Ken finished work in 1987 married Sue in 1991.

Ken Battled depression all his life and didn't suffer fools gladly.

Enjoyed gardening, flowers, vegetables and was a keen DIY person. He was devoted to his collies Dylan and Suzi.
Very much interested in current affairs and had a remarkable memory which enabled him to always recount past historical and political events.

He joined the legion in 2007 and became a standard bearer which he took seriously "never forgot how to Bull the Boot" and "Shrink the beret"
Ken lived locally all his life.

His grandchildren are, Natalie, Michael, Sara, Oliver, Andrew, Kenny, Pippa and Blair.

Great Grandchildren, Noa, Eilah, Lev, Casey, Amelia, Clyde, Parker and Vinny.