Frank Read (21 Dec 1928 - 11 May 2020)

Funeral Director

Location
Private
Date
Private
Time
Private

In loving memory of Frank Read who sadly passed away on 11th May 2020 after a short battle with cancer.
Frank was a true Notts County fan, supporting his local team for 72 years.
He worked on the railway from a very early age, a career that he loved. He kept in touch with many of his BR colleagues in particular Vic, and they often met up for reunions, times to reminisce about the earlier days.
He led a very happy married life with his late wife Sheila, who very sadly passed away in February 2009.
They both travelled to lots of different places, his favourite holiday which he and Sheila went to was California, Vegas and taking a pleasure flight over the grand canyon. Another favourite destination of his was Portugal, where he had many happy and relaxing holidays, making friends with the locals, and driving to different places. Even after Sheila passed, Frank carried on travelling, tho he kept it a bit closer to home, he visited Blackpool every September and often went over to Belgium on a coach trip.
Frank was very independent, he loved going out socialising, often meeting up with his friends on a Friday in Weatherspoon's, meeting up with close friends, whether it be at a restaurant, a home or them visiting him at his home. For the last 18yrs he and his wife (up until she passed) spent their Christmases with their very close friends Marie & Chris and their 2 grown up children Gemma and Jack. Sadly 2019 was the last one.
Frank had very good neighbours who often looked out for him and helped him in different ways. Frank became good friends with his old neighbour Andy, and he kept in touch and occasionally met up with him and his wife Lorraine.

Frank was a true gentleman, he loved life, he kept going, he was a pleasure to know, now re-united with his beautiful wife Sheila, may they both Rest in Eternal Peace. xx

Offline donation: Marie, Chris & Family Smith donated in memory of Frank
Lorraine Spooner posted a picture
Frank's 90th birthday on the Great Central Railway

Frank's 90th birthday on the Great Central Railway

Report abuse
Comment on this photo
Lorraine Spooner posted a picture
Together on his 90th birthday enjoying the Great Central Railway

Together on his 90th birthday enjoying the Great Central Railway

Report abuse
Comment on this photo
Lorraine Spooner lit a candle
Lorraine Spooner wrote

I remember when I first met Frank, I had started to see Andy and was over for Sunday lunch, along with Frank, I was slightly nervous about meeting you, but we soon became close. He was such a gentleman and always a pleasure to be with. I'm sure he must have been shocked when after just 3 months Andy and I got engaged, but on one of the last times we were together you said we were meant for each other. You were a wonderful friend to both Andy and myself and you are going to be missed more than you know. I will always remember what a wonderful man you were. You at peace now. RIP

Report abuse
Comment on this message
Andy Spooner posted a picture
Frank's 90th birthday on the Great Central Railway

Frank's 90th birthday on the Great Central Railway

Report abuse
Comment on this photo
Andy Spooner lit a candle
Andy Spooner wrote

I have very fond memories of Frank, i first got to know him when I became his neighbour about 20 years ago, but became closer after Sheila passed away. Frank and I shared many a Sunday dinner together, I never did reach 10 out of 10. I will always remember his sense of humour and how we enjoyed a joke. The holidays we spent together in Blackpool and Belgium hold particular fond memories for me. When I married Lorraine and moved away, we still looked forward to him joining us for Sunday lunch, he was so independent, he always wanted to catch the bus, no matter how much we objected.
I remember all the advice he passed on about gardening and how he always looked after his so well.
I think one of my fondest memories was on his 90th birthday when we took him for lunch on the great central railway, he was so thrilled.
I'll miss you mate. RIP

Report abuse
Comment on this message
Offline donation: Bob, Ann & Family donated in memory of Frank
Chris Smith lit a candle
Chris Smith posted a picture
Our time in Lannzarote for Frank's 90th Birthday, lots of memories to treasure 😎

Our time in Lannzarote for Frank's 90th Birthday, lots of memories to treasure 😎

Report abuse
Comment on this photo
Chris Smith wrote

No more suffering Ready, you sure as hell put up a fight, from being told on 3rd January this year you had a prognosis of 2-4 weeks, you. fought long and hard for 18 weeks. We have spent some fantastic times with both you and Sheila, then you when she sadly left us. I always admired how much knowledge you had about almost everything, you sure taught me a lot. You was also very clever and sat and talked about things in depth, you are a true gent and very dear friend who I admired and had a lot of respect for. Will miss you Ready, especially at Christmas, it won't be the same without you, although I might be able to watch something on TV now seeing as you won't be owning the remote 😁 rest in peace old fella
Chris

Report abuse
Comment on this message
Colin Rolle wrote

I have known Frank since 1962 when he came to Trent Station as a Relief Station Master. We have remained friends and work colleagues ever since. He was a super chap to work with and a true gentleman. He will be missed by all who came into contact with him.

Report abuse
Comment on this message
Gemma Smith lit a candle
Gemma Smith wrote

Well what can I say about this true gentleman he's been like a grandad to me and Jack I have know him and his late wife Sheila all my life. I have a lot of very happy memories with Frank, my favorite being the trip to Portugal, I have spent nearly every Christmas with him where we have shared a lot of laughs. Also frank trying to teach me and Jack about the war, trains etc and of course us asking him 21 questions which I think he really enjoyed that. One of my fondest memories of Frank which made me and Jack chuckle Is how he spelt most words out to us.

Anyway enough of me rambling on I could say so much, Am going to miss you so much Frank (READY) , I hope you have met up with Sheila, R.I.P Love you Gemma xxx

Report abuse
Comment on this message
Marie Smith wrote

Miss you everyday Ready, not being able to sit and hold your hand makes me so sad as I promised I would, but under the circumstances it wasn't to be. So glad Gemma and Jack sat with you xx r.i.p my dearest friend, you will always be in my ♥. Give Sheila a big hug and kiss from me xx sleep tight Frank xx

Report abuse
Comment on this message
Marie Smith lit a candle
Karen Kelly lit a candle
Karen Kelly wrote

I knew frank through my sister marie we used go out for lunch now and then over last year or so. Frank was a true gentleman and I enjoyed our little chats about our time in r.a.f. and how it had changed from Frank's day to when I joined in 76 xx r.i.p. frank now reunited with sheila xx

Report abuse
Comment on this message
Victor Perrett posted a picture
This picture was taken last October before `Frank' became `Ill' at our  Last `Reunion' with other Retired  Colleagues from *BTPF.org  over @  Wetherspoons Venue 'The  Sugar Loaf' (Mkt Harborough Leics) & I hope I Captured Frank's Zest for Life @ 91Yrs!

This picture was taken last October before `Frank' became `Ill' at our Last `Reunion' with other Retired Colleagues from *BTPF.org over @ Wetherspoons Venue 'The Sugar Loaf' (Mkt Harborough Leics) & I hope I Captured Frank's Zest for Life @ 91Yrs!

Report abuse
Comment on this photo
Victor Perrett wrote

`Marie's Obituary says everything about Frank's Unique Personality & `Stoicism' & I think that has been Captured So Well with Portrait of `Family Dog! encapsulating the `British Bulldog Spirit!
I was fortunate to be `Paired' with Frank as his `Junior' Station Supervisor when I transferred Up from Southern Region of `Old BR' in August 1982; & I learnt more in following Two Year's than with Any other 'Chief' Inspector on Station especially when We had Irate Passenger's to Placate `Frank's Natural Charm & Empathy had them Eating out of his Hand! He passed on so Many `Pearls of Wisdom to me with his Life long Experience as a `Relief `Station Master' in Nottingham/Derbyshire Area of LMR (BR) which I` Took on Board' & this helped me with my own Career within the Rail Industry especially upon my `Displacement' transfer over To Derby in late 1984 where I served as a Signalling Controller & Platform Supervisor , Until My own Early Retirement in August 2009 after 40 yrs service!
How about a Nice Cup of Tea Bud!" would have been Frank's Answer If I was getting `Stressed Out' You Always felt Better after a `Shift' with Frank I/C ! Missing You Already Cheers 'Vic x x '
PPS My Own Father's Name was `Frank' as Well!

Report abuse

Comments

  • F.A.O. of Moderator could U Please Amend above to Read Trains `Controller' & 42 Years Service! Man & Boy! Thank U! V.C.Perrett

    Posted by Victor on 16/05/2020 Report abuse
Comment on this message
Victor Perrett posted a picture
Frank' at Our Last `Reunion' with BTPF at The Sugar Loaf ' (Wetherspoons Venue at Mkt Harborough) in October Last Year!  So Pleased I Took this picture Before Frank became Poorly' as  it captures Frank's Zest for Life!

Frank' at Our Last `Reunion' with BTPF at The Sugar Loaf ' (Wetherspoons Venue at Mkt Harborough) in October Last Year! So Pleased I Took this picture Before Frank became Poorly' as it captures Frank's Zest for Life!

Report abuse
Comment on this photo
John Wayman wrote

It was a pleasure to have known and worked with you.
God bless

Report abuse
Comment on this message
Marie SMITH posted a picture
Comment on this image
Marie SMITH posted a picture

Comments

  • We surprised Frank in the evening of his birthday with a lovely cake. We joined him after work for a lovely tea party x

    Posted by Marie on 17/05/2020 Report abuse
Comment on this image
Marie SMITH posted a picture
Comment on this image
Marie SMITH posted a picture
Comment on this image
Marie SMITH posted a picture
Comment on this image
Marie SMITH posted a picture

Comments

  • This Superb Picture epitomises Frank's Bulldog `Churchillian Spirit' in Spite of Adversity

    Posted by Victor on 16/05/2020 Report abuse
Comment on this image
Marie SMITH posted a picture
Comment on this image
Powered by Funeral Guide Contact Funeral Guide