Clive Eve (8 Nov 1929 - 8 Apr 2023)

In loving memory of Clive Eve who sadly passed away on 8th April 2023.

Clive Herbert Eve born in Walthamstow on November 8th 1929. Only child of Violet and Herbert Eve. At the start of the 2nd World War, he was a young lad of 10, and used to recall his childhood during these times to us. Stories of running to air raid shelters (playing cards with the old boys and his first taste of alcohol), bombed out homes and schools and my personal favourite story of him being chased by a doodlebug. My Gran kept him in London rather than him being evacuated, a great risk in those times, but if she had not have done then we may not have known the legendary tales he would tell.

At the age of 14, dad left school and began work for an accountancy firm. At his interview for this job, he was told how much his wage would be, to which he informed the Senior Partner that he was earning more money doing two jobs (a paper round and delivering hats) than what they were offering. This resulted in him being given a higher starting salary. A lesson that he passed on to all his children, that if you do not ask you do not get.

When dad turned 18 he was called up for National Service and joined the RAF. Due to his experience in accountancy and auditing he was put on similar duties. After his stint in the RAF he returned to his previous job where he worked for over 20 years until he moved to sunny Southend where he became Financial Director at Flight Spares. This job took him round the world including a flight on Concord. He worked at this company until he medically retired at the age of 63.

Family was a big part of dad's life and he met the love of his life, Jan at his place of work, where she was a short hand typist. Their first date was to watch Tottenham Hotspur play, which was clearly a success as they soon went on a second date to the theatre. Not sure I would have been so bowled over by a football match but it worked on mum. During their courtship, mum's dad would wait at the gate to make sure dad brought her home safely. After 2 years of dating, dad finally popped the question. He had told me that the location of this proposal was in the gardens of St Paul's cathedral, which I always thought was very romantic. However apparently this is where he put the ring on mum's finger, so where they officially became engaged. He actually asked her at Goodmayes train station so not as romantic as first thought! They married on 24th June 1967 but unfortunately not on a sunny midsummer's day as hoped but a rainy one, although this is apparently good luck. Well it must have been as they were married for 55 years.

After moving to Southend for dad's work in 1968, they welcomed their first child, Amanda in September 1969, followed by the birth of Tim in May 1971. At this point they thought their family was complete however their biggest surprise came 10 years later with the birth of me (Rebecca). He has also welcomed seven grandchildren, and enjoyed taking an interest in their lives.

Dad enjoyed playing numerous sports including cricket, badminton, table tennis in the garage at Kenilworth Gardens, snooker and his beloved golf, where he captained the Veterans golf team at Belfairs. His other love was Philately or in other words stamp collecting. He also enjoyed playing dominoes, board and card games, and would often dissect the end of a game especially if he lost. His love of sport and playing games as been passed down to his children and grandchildren.

His music taste was also very wide, enjoying jazz, the classics and various solo artists including - Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Glenn Miller, Peggy Lee, Carly Simon, Ella Fitzgerald to name but a few.

Unfortunately dad did experience health issues, primarily with his heart, having had two bypasses and four pacemakers over a period of 40 years. However, where he could he enjoyed his hobbies and interests to the full.

Dad lived a full and happy life, a life that he did not always think he was going to be able to live.
He will leave a big hole in our lives but will forever be in our hearts.

Service will be webcast via : www.obitus.com Username nubu6942 Password 428232

Donations in memory of Clive can be made directly to the British Heart Foundation.