John Alder (9 Feb 1939 - 17 Aug 2026)

In loving memory of John Alder who passed away peacefully at Southend Hospital on Monday 17th August 2026 aged 87.

The funeral will take place at the Pitsea/ Basildon Crematorium, on the 16th of September 2026, at 14:30.
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RcXyg4d2T3V4XQAR8

Following the funeral there will be a wake held at Basildon Golf Course.
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3vwtQexRQZt3TNoM6

Please note:
Dress code: traditional funeral

John was born on 9th February 1939, the youngest child of Joseph and Mary, growing up in Acton and Hammersmith during the war years.

While completing his National Service in 1960, John met his future wife, Barbara, at a party. They married on 23rd March 1963 at Barking Abbey and lived with his in-laws for a while before moving into their first home along the Southend Arterial Road in Hornchurch.

After completing his National Service, John began his career as an electrician’s mate at the Bank of England, working on alarm systems at branches across the UK. He later joined Eastern Electricity, where he repaired substations, before taking early retirement.

Their first child, Joanne, was born in 1966. A couple of years later, in 1968, they moved to Benfleet, where their second child, Stuart, was born in 1970. This house remained John’s home for the rest of his life.

Joanne married Stephen in 1990 with grandchildren following in 1995, Nathalie and 1997, Nathan. Both John and Barbara were very proud of them. Stuart married his wife, Anna in 2022, although sadly Barbara never met her.

John and Barbara enjoyed a happy marriage and spent 49 years together before Barbara was unexpectedly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which sadly cut her life short in early 2011.

John never fully recovered from this loss.

John faced some health issues in later life, suffering some strokes, and heart failure, which resulted in his having a pacemaker fitted, but he kept active until the loss of sight in one eye. This was caused by giant cell arteritis, which is the charity his family are supporting through donations.

In 2020, John was no longer able to manage living at home and moved into Rosedale Care Home. He lived there for six years, until his death.

His sudden demise was unexpected, a loss which will never be filled. His family will miss him terribly, but he will always remain in their hearts.