Uncle Ken as we called him has left a legacy of so many cherished childhood memories.
A true Gent, outstanding sense of humour, and an inspirational role model for me growing up.
through all the sadness the fond memories make me smile.
Kenneth Humphrys (5 Jun 1924 - 8 Jan 2021)
Funeral Director
Kenneth Edward Humphrys died on Friday 8th January after a brief spell in hospital. He was aged 96.
Ken was born in Blackheath, near Birmingham on 5th June 1924. During World War II Ken trained as a navigator flying in Wellington Bombers over Africa.
Always good with numbers Ken worked as an accountant for many years. After the war, he started working for Industrial Fan and Heater where he became Company Secretary. This was also where he met his wife, Joyce. They lived in Shirley in the West Midlands where his only son, Stephen, was born in 1966.
In 1973 the family moved to Nottingham and Ken went to work for Newlyne Partitions and subsequently Thraves. He ended his career working for Copping Joyce in Finsbury.
He spent many holidays in Dorset, and loved messing about on the water. He especially loved an annual August Bank Holiday trip cruising around Poole Harbour where he became known as Cap'n Ken. Later the annual boat trip moved to Henley on Thames where "Cap'n Ken" would take Rosetta to Marlow. His son follows in the same tradition boating on the Thames and also in the Solent.
He enjoyed playing badminton until he was 70, after which time he took up the more sedate sport of bridge where he even won Master points. He continued as the treasurer of the bridge club until he was over 90.
He was an active member of St James Church, Porchester where he became treasurer and in his younger days played "Baron Hardup" in a performance of the church pantomime. More recently, after moving to Rainworth, he worshipped at Blidworth Methodist Church again taking up the role of Treasurer.
He leaves behind his widow, Joyce and son, Stephen.
Offline donation: donated in memory of Kenneth
Offline donation: donated in memory of Kenneth
Offline donation: donated in memory of Kenneth
Offline donation: donated in memory of Kenneth
Offline donation: donated in memory of Kenneth
Offline donation: donated in memory of Kenneth
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I was saddened to hear from Keith that Ken has recently left us. It seems like another link with our childhood has passed. Like Keith, I have fond memories in particular of our Scottish camping trip - cold but oh such perfect weather. I also remember those 'treasure hunts', where I learned a lot about navigation and the vagaries of "white roads" and "yellow roads" from Ken and our father, Stan.
My overriding memory of Ken, however, is of his ready whit and good humour - especially with us youngsters. It will be missed. My condolences to you, Joyce and to you, Stephen.
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I have fond memories of Ken. He was my God Father and as close family friends I remember in particular a lovely holiday in Scotland with the Humphrys clan, mackerel fishing on Loch Long in a clinker built fishing boat with a little Seagull engine. His navigation skills came to good use on the pub treasure hunt rallies he and my dad used to do. I to remember the big maroon Ford Corsair and also the mustard Morris Marina and the story my dad used to tell of when they took the Mirror Dinghy that my dad built on its maiden voyage to Llangorse Reservoir in a howling gale still makes me smile
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We will miss our chats across the driveway being a near neighbour since 2003 Ken you always had a smile and brightened up everyone’s day. You will be sadly missed.
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So sad to hear this news. I remember some good times as a youngster, the Greens, Humphrys, Johnstones and Pardoes.
Ken was the first person we knew with a reel to reel tape recorder and we kids always insisted that came out for some fun when we visited.
Remember some of the cars too, particularly the Ford Corsair.
Rest in Peace Ken
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We have many happy memories of Ken, being neighbours for the last 18 years.
A funny gentleman, of great integrity, with a lovely smile. We recall Ken gardening, playing the Organ, doing jigsaws, having conversations with him about the F1 motor racing and his flying days in the Wellington Bombers. RIP Ken.
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I treasure happy memories of years of friendship with Joyce and Ken. We had many happy times together and Ken was wonderful company and always showed a ready wit as well as kindness consideration and patience. Lovely memories of a gentleman.
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Thinking of you Aunty Joyce, and Stephen. Remembering many happy times spent in Uncle Ken’s company, and many happy lengthy phone conversations too. Sending Much Love Julie xxx
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Jean, Ron and Ken. Uncle Humph ( Ken) with his Sister and Brother. 1980’s
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My lovely Uncle Humph 2014 at Rainworth
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Christmas Lake Bohinj, Slovenia
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From left to right Ron, Ken and Jean Humphrys
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Trip to The London Eye Steve, Joyce and Ken
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Christmas in Rainworth 2014
Jean, Ron and Ken. Uncle Humph ( Ken) with his Sister and Brother. 1980’s
My lovely Uncle Humph 2014 at Rainworth
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