Edward "Ted" Sibbons (17 Nov 1938 - 6 Oct 2023)

In loving memory of Edward "Ted" Sibbons who sadly passed away on 6th October 2023 after a short stay in hospital, following complications arising from pneumonia.

Ted was almost 85 years old, and was widowed in 2022 after Pat, his wife of 60 years, died. Ted is survived by his two daughters Tricia and Jo-Ann, and younger brother Fred. (His elder brother Bill and sister Joyce pre-deceased him). His very close friend and cousin Terry died earlier this year, and Ted felt that loss very deeply, on top of the death of his wife. He was, however, looking forward to his upcoming birthday with friends Esther, Dave and his brothers and sisters-in-law from the McCann side of the family on November 17th. We anticipate celebrating Ted's life on that day with everyone who will be able to join us.

Before he met Pat, (who he renamed from her 'real' name of Monica!), he did national service and always had a deep respect for military service and those he met in later life who were serving.

Ted and Pat loved socialising and dancing. We often had parties at our house, and Ted was a member of the local working men's clubs so we were often out on weekends, meeting like-minded families and new friends across South London. Pat and the girls were church goers, so church socials would entice Ted out, but never to church (probably because that was truly his only day of rest!). On Sunday, Ted was always with mates at the pub (the Swan); sometimes we were at the park opposite (kids not being allowed in pubs in those days!) and would link up for the walk home, bringing the unique perfume of beer and cigarettes with us. We have to mention the famous 'beanos' - day trips by coach to the coast, to pub crawl all day, followed by fish and chips, and sticks of rock brought home for the girls - always resulted in stories to make our eyes pop. And a very large hangover!

Our childhood holidays to the east coast were always memorable for foraging ('cockle-ing' we called it) for shellfish - cockles and other Cockney delights such as whelks, shrimp and jellied eels. Ted loved pie and mash and jellied eels! He always enjoyed food from his childhood days, which was working-class fare, but he developed a taste for other cuisines, not least Chinese food.

Ted had a good bunch of friends in the civil service who remained close after retirement, and he also spent time with family in Ireland, and with his cousin Terry and wife Babs; they enjoyed travelling together and went on numerous cruises.

Ted was particularly taken with wildlife and created memorable video films of South African safaris with patience and care. He mostly enjoyed going to stay with family in Ireland and all the craic and hospitality that came with that circle and deep connection. He was always keen to see his brother and sister in law Maura, sing or play. Maura's rendition of a french love song would move him to tears.

In later years, after their joint 80th birthday party in Belfast, they were more confined at home together, and Ted began caring for Pat as her mobility declined. Their last outing together in December 2021, was to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary at a London theatre, restaurant and overnight stay in a hotel, where they downed champagne and looked out over the Thames. They were soul mates entering their last years together.

Two months later, Pat became more unwell, and died in May 2022. Two months after that, Ted had a minor stroke and mobility problems and then had a fall, fracturing his back. It was a long journey back to walking, but he made good progress and the photo above, on 2 July 2023, marked his first return to the lounge at his home (downstairs), after months of rehabilitation at home with superstar physio, Gemma, and carers supporting Jo-Ann. Ted was grateful for all the many visitors and family who came to the house.

Much as it pains those of us left, Ted is now reunited with Pat, wherever people go after death. We hope it has a bar and a pack of cards, a juke box playing 'Blueberry Hill'; and, ideally, it serves jellied eels.