After more than 40 years at BT dad decided to retire. However, his knowledge and experince was so useful he was persuaded to return as a consultant. This happened 2 or 3 times over a 5 year period. During this time he managed several 'little' projects. One such project was overseeing the wiring and installation of IT cables for the new headquarters of Thomas Cook in Peterborough. During this time, he was
amazed and shocked by the price he had been quoted to produce 25 special cable connectors. So, armed with his soldering iron, he disappeared into his shed and made them all himself.
Dad asked to take the family out for a meal to celebrate my birthday. It may even have been my 21st. He asked what sort of meal I would like, to which I replied an Indian. Instead of looking in the yellow pages for a restaurant - which most people would do, he telephoned the Indian Embassy in London and asked them to make a recommendation. Whatever dad did, he did it properly.
Ron and I met when I was about 15. Ron's father was in the Special Police and my father was also a policeman. It was when I joined the air training corps that we became firm friends. We would walk home together and stand at the corner of 'The King's Head' and talk of our dreams and aspirations. It was during these conversations that his strong faith in the Lord and his wisdom were influential on me and lasted my life long. Our friendship grew from there. I remember the times when we got together with Jean and Pat, Jean playing the piano and all of us singing the old songs as best we could. Ron and Jean eventually married and I was privileged to be Ron's best man. In 1951 my late wife and I moved to South Africa, but whenever Ron and Jean visited South Africa, or we went to England we would somehow find the time to see one another. We also corresponded throughout the years. A friendship like ours, which withstood the test of time and distance, is very special and I will treasure it always. Ron's passing will not cause him to fade in my memory. Rest in peace dear old friend! From Peter Godliman.
Ron was legendary in the family for his love of ice-cream. I can see him clearly, about 30 years ago, on holiday in Brittany. We had ordered 'Fujiyama' as dessert, expecting something like an ice-cream sundae. What came was an enormous glass dish of ice-cream, cream, meringue and lit sparklers - just plke an erupting volcanoe. But the spectacle of the desserts was nothing compared with the look on Ron's face, which could only be described as childlike delight and anticipation!
Ron was a very generous man and if he did something it was done 'right'. When Pamela (Ron's daughter) and I were to be married Ron announced that we must drive up to London and buy the flowers from Covent Garden Market. This he did - by the box load! There were so many blooms that we had flowers in every window of the Church and tied posies at the end of every pew!
Number of Memories: 5
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The Practical Man
David Mar 24, 2008
amazed and shocked by the price he had been quoted to produce 25 special cable connectors. So, armed with his soldering iron, he disappeared into his shed and made them all himself.
Curry
David Mar 16, 2008
Memories from Ron's 'Best Man', Peter Godliman in South Africa.
Peter Godliman Mar 15, 2008
Ice-Cream!
Terry Lamb Mar 13, 2008
My Memory
Terry Lamb Mar 12, 2008