Paul Michael Winnard (7 Jun 1943 - 5 Oct 2022)

In loving memory of Paul Michael Winnard who sadly passed away on 5th October 2022.

Was he a cat? He's certainly had his share of nine lives...He's survived a motorbike accident and falling off a ladder in his younger days then surviving an accident with radiation testing at the M.O.D in the 70s. In more recent years - breaking his neck, a brain haemorrhage, leg artery replacements, leg amputations and gall bladder infections, along with catching Covid in hospital during the first wave. So, he's had a good innings, considering all that.

An Engineer at heart, although he started off as an artist. He was always tinkering, mending, improving, building things. Some of the amazing things he's built...doll houses, toy farms, train sets, go-karts and climbing frames for his children Julie and Darren (and some again for his grandsons Nathan and Max). He helped to build rafts with his work friends for the Southend raft races, a boat from scratch and many other boats repaired and sailed briefly before moving onto the next one. He helped build an extension on the old Wakering Yacht club barge and led ambitious projects for local Scouts - building a large zip wire for a summer Fete, along with lots of other fun activities used regularly at events. He also built a Paintball Arena under the Palace Hotel and re-wired houses and Air-Conditioning units. After working many years in the defence industry, working as an electrician, a pest controller then security guard - after retiring he then turned his hand to charity work. He worked with other engineers in Remap to develop bespoke solutions for people in need - inventions he often got his grandsons to help test.

Paul was known for his kindness and thoughtfulness (and sometimes forgetfulness). He was known for his great sense of humour and jokes - especially long 'shaggy dog' tales. He also liked to recount a tale or two from the past...who hasn't heard him tell of walking the pet rabbit in the evenings? or of derailing a train in the east-end when with a gang of boys? (Was he a gang member or the ringleader? different versions depending on who was telling the tale...), or of having a fun whitewash fight with a friend then wondering how he was caught. (His own father revealed many years later, he'd just followed the trail of white footprints...). He was also known for his love of problem-solving, community spirit and chattiness!

The above things hardly scratch the surface of what he got up to or achieved. On top of all that he also at times enjoyed reading, listening to music, and photography.

RIP Paul. Forever in our memories.