Les Walker (25 Sep 1950 - 12 Sep 2014)

Kathy Davis donated £30 in memory of Les

Les was a fun-loving and witty person . We had some great times with him in the late 1960,s we recently got together again over the last few years.
He will be sadly missed .
rest in peace Les.

I met Les whilst working for Perkins Engines more than 35 years ago and we became very good friends.

Our families were brought closer together when Vera became Tracey’s Godmother.

Danny and Tracey and our children Gavin and Carly all got on well together and, throughout their childhood, we all went on camping holidays together. Our trailer tents were pitched next to one another and we soon referred to each other as ‘The Neighbours’ – a name which has stuck to this day. We have very fond memories of these holidays, going down to the beach, playing the card game ‘Whot’, and Uncle Stan the bingo caller with his 'two little ducks', to recall just a few.

As the children grew up, we still remained close friends and many a New Year’s Eve was passed playing Twister and Trivial Pursuit.

Les could turn his hand to most things practical, always doing something to the very best of his ability, but his health had not been so good during the past few years, which meant he had increasing difficulties in getting around. He was a person who hated being inactive - he liked to be working at something – decorating, gardening, anything that kept him busy. He eventually realised that his hopes of returning to work were not going to materialise.

During our time at Perkins, we would play cards during our dinner hour, so it seemed the most natural thing to do was pick up where we’d left off. Once a week, most weeks, I came over to see him – we would put the world to rights and then played some very competitive games of crib as both of us disliked losing. The day was always peppered with friendly sarcasm and insults, accusing each other of cheating, hiding the cards etc. Les seemed to forget his pain and discomfort whilst playing cards and I think he looked forward to me coming over.

‘The Neighbours’ started to go on holiday together again to Pontins at Lowestoft but on the last occasion, with Tony, Sylv, Stephen and Marion, it was very apparent that Les was not at all well. Not wanting to spoil the holiday, especially for Joan, he did not want to go home early, but within a couple of days of returning home, and by now very ill, Les was taken into hospital.

Both Vera and I were devastated to hear the results of the tests that he had undergone, but I carried on visiting him at home when possible, still playing cards.

Les quickly became increasingly even less mobile and, although at times he still remained his usual funny self, I know inside he was devastated.

Before his diagnosis, Les had so many plans for Joan and himself: moving from a house to a bungalow so that it would be easier for both of them to get around; maybe going on a cruise or re-visiting Las Vegas, but his illness progressed so rapidly that sadly he was unable to achieve any of these.

Les was re-admitted to hospital where his health deteriorated rapidly and he passed away peacefully with his family at his bedside. I think in many ways this was a blessing as Les would not have wanted a long lingering illness.

He was a proud man and a dear friend.

We will miss you.

Keep a seat and table ready for me – I’ll bring the cards and there will be no cheating!

God Bless you mate.

Thank you for all the generous donations and support received in memory of Les

I have fond memories of coming round to your house with Sarah & Tracey out with the animals and you sorting out wallpaper. Thank you for your friendship and all your help with the Boys' Brigade. I have great memories of carol singing with Brookside and always stopping outside your house to sing Away in a manger. May you enjoy your time in heaven sorting out the decorating to your standards. Rest in Peace.

Very sorry to hear that Les has been taken so early. May God Bless you Joan, Danny & Tracey.

Happy Birthday Darling

Les, free from pain. God bless. Steve and Val

Goodnight my darling Les no more pain, hope the horses in heaven are winning for you Joan xxxx

Donation received from Dave & Doreen with thanks from Joan, Danny and Tracey