Ken Challice (27 May 1936 - 22 Jan 2024)

In loving memory of Ken Challice who passed away on 22nd January 2024.

Sadly, suffering over the past few years with complicated heart and kidney problems Ken passed away peacefully at home with Viv by his side.

Ken was a proud Welshman he grew up in Swansea with the late Bill and Elaine Challice. He was a skilled engineer by trade, with a passion for boats, trains and all things steam related. Ken served his apprenticeship in Swansea dry dock and then went on to study his engineering certificates. Sailing as a marine engineer for many years with Union-Castle line from Southampton to South Africa and afar.

When Ken had “Dunroamin” he settled in Southampton as a marine engineer for Red Funnel ferries and moved to Swanwick Lane with Lynn and a young Michael, Jason and later daughter Vivienne was born. He worked 20+ years for British American Tobacco until retirement. Never one to not be busy, post retirement he took up a little part time job working for the local iron mongers Peterkins delivering Calor gas bottles!

Ken always enjoyed being part of a community and joined along with Viv the local drama group. Viv convinced him to get involved helping to build sets and stage manage many productions over the years. It was here that many special friends were made.

With a lifelong appreciation of waterways, rivers lakes and the sea. It was in Kens later years that continued to bring him much joy when he purchased “Brunel” and became a proud member of the Steamboat Association. He and Daph loved many a rally steaming up and down the country and taking the boats on the ferry over to France surrounded by lasting friendships and happy memories.

Thankful to say those retirement years were sociable ones, and always busy. If he wasn’t volunteering down the Brickworks, then he could be found pottering away in his Man Cave fixing or making something. Sometimes even “glued” to his iPad but he would always find time for a cuppa and a chat with anyone.

The last few years were challenging health wise for Ken and caring for Daph, despite this he never complained and continued to keep on smiling through to the end.

Please do leave any of your own memories or photos of Ken it is something that can bring great comfort to the friends and family of a loved one.