Dad, at an early age, had found the partner that was to accompany him through his life, and he was determined and willing to do anything to make that happen, after waiting, proving himself, and getting their blessing, they were allowed to marry very shortly after Mums 17th birthday.
Granddad Tom, had insisted, that Dad get a trade behind him, so he started an apprentership as a carpenter and joiner.
He completed his National Service with the 16th 5th Royal Lancers, Tank Regiment. Which had been differed, for him to complete his apprenticeship.
Dad was a keen motorcyclist and competitor, hill climbing and the such, after the army they carried on their love of motorcycling with all their friends.
Granddad and Nanny Page had a holiday pitch at Osea Road Camp site, which became a home away from home for Mum, Dad and us too.
We lived in Retcar Street N19, in an upstairs flat, Nan and Granddad a few doors down, behind us, in Lulot Street, lived John and Moira, we could see in to their garden. I didn’t know at the time how much they would end up being a very important part in creating our future, our now.
They introduced Mum and Dad to Fostering. Pretty soon Mum and Dad had found their calling, to offer, and give love and care, to those who needed or wanted it, for just a week or for longer, single children or whole sets of siblings. Mum and Dad were a team.
Dad worked as a contractor for council improvement projects to housing and enjoyed his work, it also fitted with the life that they wanted. We moved to Wardlow, on Ingestre road, and Dad became a caretaker for Camden Council, also starting their commitment to fostering.
Dad made bunk beds with toy boxes at the end, drawers under the bottom and a wardrobe to support the upper. Everything could fit and be used when needed.
Dads colleagues didn’t understand his work ethics, he never used to disappear in doors, or into the railway club, they used to scoff that it was an easier life staying out, with all of those kids that weren’t even his. But, he felt, that if he was being paid to work then he worked, and they were his kids, nobody could say anything different. Every weekend we would load up the mustard and brown minibus and off we went to the caravan, in the summer we went for 4 of the 6 weeks, dad would take us, stay for a week, go home to work, then come down for another week, or so.
We even made our own fibreglass canoes, Dad loved the caravan, he enjoyed swimming, canoeing, playing darts and cards with Nan and Granddad who enjoyed playing with all of the kids. They were very supportive and took on the additions as easily as Mum and Dad did. With open hearts.
We would sit at the dining table in the kitchen and discuss the week, what was happening at the weekend and sometimes meaningless in depth debates. Mum and Dad would also talk to us about children that might be coming to stay, we all had a part, Mum spoke, Dad supported her and only spoke when it was needed. Mum and Dad, Nan and Granddad, me Andrew and Colin, adopted Malcolm, Tanya and Billy.
We needed a larger house, the council had 2 in Burghley road. Dad found out which ones, decided which one was the better, and while the contractors were in doing them up, he would go round after work, and he set about fitting them out and decorating them, to suit our needs, thank god we didn’t get the other one.
Burghley Road became the Hub of the Page family and the family kept growing.
New years parties became a regular fixture and everybody was invited.
Dad was able to encourage us all to do whatever, to the best of our abilities, I think it was because he really did enjoy helping, doing and getting involved himself.
Dad was able to speak to anybody about anything and would give them time to find their own way, but they knew that he would be there to support, help, push, encourage or just laugh with.
Due to health and age Mum and Dad retired from fostering and moved to Maldon.
Dad didn’t have much time to enjoy his retirement. Tanya’s passing hit hard, then Damian’s injuries and then Donna’s passing, all took their toll, but he still blossomed with pride and joy when the family members visited
Dad was all about listening and considering everybody.
Dad is too smaller word for such an influential, caring, supportive person, who’s heart knew no bounds, he invited everybody in and gave it all, without reserve.
He is our Hero.
In loving memory of the late Tom Page who sadly passed away on 30th May 2015
Beloved Husband, Dad, Granddad, Great Granddad. He was a man of few words with a heart of gold and a lifetime of unconditional love. Formerly of Burghley Road, Kentish Town.
A service will be held at Chelmsford Crematorium, Writtle Road, CM1 3BL.
On the 10th July at 11.30.
with a reception at the Fox and Goose Wyses Road, CM1 3SN.
All are invited.
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