Christopher Robert Dunnage (30 Jul 1943 - 17 Feb 2023)

It is with great sadness that the family of Mr Christopher Robert Dunnage announces his passing after a bravely fought battle with cancer, on February 17th 2023, at the age of 79.

Christopher passed away peacefully at home in Hockley and will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 57 years, Patricia, his son Christopher (& wife Lynne), his daughter Julie (& husband Paul) and his five grandchildren; Leanne, Megan, Holly, Jack and Charlie.

Christopher was born on Friday 30th July 1943 in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire because his mum was evacuated there from Dagenham, during World War II. Christopher was under three pounds in weight when he was born. It wasn't long before the family returned to their home in Dagenham.

Christopher left school and became an apprentice working in the Thermal Insulation trade. He met a young lady by the name of Patricia at a dance-hall in the East-End of London back in 1962. They would spend the next 61 years together. Christopher worked tirelessly as a Thermal Insulation Engineer (a proper one that did metal work) working incredibly hard and long shifts to provide for and look after his family - finally retiring in 2010. He had many a story to tell about those years and the characters he’d met and the places he’d worked.

Christopher was a football fan - always loved watching a game, no matter who was playing. There were, however, a couple of teams that he loved - Byron Red Star and Chester Football Clubs - largely because his son Chris played for them from a young boy. Many a weekend would be spent at matches where Christopher would cheer on Chris - and also share his opinions of the referee, the linesmen, the opposing teams coaches and anyone else that dared try and do Chris a wrong'un. Christopher always looked out for his family.

Christopher was very well-travelled, having visited Spain, Portugal, Malta, Amsterdam, Venice, Florence, Rome, Gran Canaria, Orlando, San Francisco, Las Vegas, California (he particularly loved Yosemite Park), Mexico (where Christopher & Pat swam with dolphins), Cuba and Thailand – to name but a few of the places he’d seen. He had some amazing travel companions over the trips in Jenny and Alan as well as Kath and Graham - but he was always accompanied by Patricia. No matter where he travelled, however, he was always happiest when he was at home, surrounded by those he loved the most – his family.

Christopher loved his food, and enjoyed nice family meals together. He was rather partial to drop of Scotch Whisky too – but it had to be decent quality. He also loved Glayva and was known for pouring a rather large “small measure” on a Christmas Day morning.

Christopher can be described as a proud husband, a doting dad, an amazing grandad (andad!), a great friend, a hard-worker, a story-teller and a true gentleman.

The funeral service will be held at Southend-on-Sea Crematorium, 285 Sutton Road, Southend-on-Sea SS2 5PX at 2.40pm on Tuesday 11th April 2023. All are welcome to attend. No flowers please, Christopher wanted charitable donations to Guide Dogs For the Blind and Cancer Research UK – two organisations he felt strongly about.