Terence Penn (13 Jun 1935 - 22 Oct 2022)

In loving memory of Terence Penn, our beloved dad, grandad and great grandad who sadly passed away on 22nd October 2022. We will miss your warm and gentle presence, your ready smile and your unforgettable sense of humour. Thank you for bringing your light into our lives, we will treasure you forever.

A Biography
Terence was born in Bow, East London in 1935. Being the youngest of 4 children, he had the good fortune of having 3 older sisters who by all accounts thoroughly spoilt him! He was evacuated to Egham, Surrey at the outbreak of war, which was fortunate because the family house took a direct hit in the blitz. Luckily it was empty at the time and the family were reunited sometime later, when they all moved to Loughton.

Terence first worked for a shipping company in the City (where he met Eileen, his wife to be), until called up for National Service, stationed at RAF Lichfield. On return to ‘civvy’ life he joined American Express in the West End, a role which enabled him to fly to New York and Baltimore at times. He played cricket for the company and captained their chess team in the London Commercial Chess League.

He and Eileen married in 1955 and honeymooned in Malvern, which is where Terence wishes his and Eileen’s ashes to be scattered.

Son Michael arrived in 1958 and daughter Debbie in 1962. They moved from Barking to Leigh-on-Sea in 1971 and were delighted at the arrival of grandsons David and James in 1988 and 1991 respectively. And subsequently becoming great grandparents with the birth of Kiera in 2012.

Together with his love of chess, Terence took up bowling and became deeply involved with the Woodside Bowls Club at Belfairs Park, latterly becoming Fairwood Bowls, forming a special relationship which continued even after he had to give up.

Terence and Eileen enjoyed a very happy marriage and were grateful to be able to celebrate their Diamond Wedding Anniversary in 2015 with a cruise to Madeira and Grand Canaria.

Sadly health problems struck around this time, with the diagnosis of Eileen’s Alzheimer’s and Terence’s Coronary Artery Disease – requiring urgent open-heart surgery in 2017. Another devastating blow was Terence’s diagnosis of Parkinson’s which was later discovered to be Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a rapidly progressing and highly debilitating form of Parkinson’s. The overwhelming impact of MSA on Terence’s life reflects our choice to support this charity in his memory.

Ultimately dad had to say goodbye to his friends and neighbours in Belfairs Drive last year when he finally moved into The Brambles care home, where his beloved wife Eileen spent the advancing stages of her Alzheimer’s. Without doubt Terence’s life was enriched for a further 18 months with the outstanding care, respect and affection from the staff and the friendship of the residents. The Brambles will forever hold positive memories in our hearts, during the time when Terence had lost so much of everything he loved, not least the functioning of his body, those amazing carers helped him through what was to be the most challenging chapter of his life story. Reese 'Come on you Blues'! and all of you wonderful carers - you know who you are! I cannot thank you enough.

To all who knew him, Terence has been described as a 'true gentleman', going to great lengths to do the right thing, underplaying his talents and never wanting to be a burden, even when life was becoming so difficult.

Terence's funeral is being held on Monday 28th November at 2pm at Southend Crematorium, details opposite, and afterwards at The Inn at Belfairs, Eastwood Rd North, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 4LR. This venue was chosen for its proximity to his beloved bowls club located on the edge of Belfairs Woods where we have lots of fond memories.
Family flowers only. Donations to the MSA Trust would be much appreciated and would benefit research and help for those afflicted with this devastating disease.