David Frederick Parsons (23 Sep 1934 - 12 Jun 2024)

In loving memory of David Frederick Parsons who sadly passed away on 12th June 2024
Born in West Ham London 23/9/1934 eldest child of Frederick Arthur Parsons and Lillian Kate Parsons.
He was the eldest of the four children followed by his sister Jean in 1936, then brother Allan in 1938 and after a gap due to the war years his sister Frances in 1943
He grew up mainly in West ham and later Eastham. During the war he was evacuated first with his family to two locations in the West Country and enjoyed his brief stay there but was called back by his mother as she missed having him with her and his sister and brother. When bombing got more serious he and his sister Jean were evacuated together the north of the country. This lasted until bombing eased and his mother called them home again, and then again in the later part of the war they were evacuated to the Brentwood area.
David suffered poor health with his tonsils as a child so was often poorly and, due to a fever precluding him from an exam, felt he missed his opportunity to go into Grammar school. He made up for this by going into a technical college to learn a skill which set him on the path of carpentry and joinery.
David completed his education in West Ham and then signed up for an Apprenticeship in Joinery and Shop-fitting in 1951 with Pollard which he completed in 1955.
During his teenage years he dated several girls and married Margaret Pummell in December 1955.
On completion of his apprenticeship in1955 he signed up for National Service in the London Rifle Brigade. And served with them full time in Kenya and Singapore until October 1957.He was valued for his carpentry skills and attention to detail in having perfect kit. Being smart and well turned out remained something he was proud of throughout his life. After full time service he remained in the Army as a TA serving part-time until 1961. He considered the army to be a very positive life changing experience, developing a strong character and determination to succeed. After the Army he went back to shop-fitting until 1964 when he was successful in gaining employment with the Ford Motor Company. This he considered one of his greatest achievements, progressing in the company and staying with them, until he retired at the age of 60.
When he returned from his active army service he set up home with Margaret and in 1959 had their first child Rosslynn, whom they proudly paraded in the streets of Eastham. They saved hard and bought their first home in 1961, a bungalow in Hullbridge and in 1963 welcomed their son Simon. In 1966 they had their second son Richard and decided they needed a bigger home, again in Hullbridge, where as a family we all lived until 1978 when his marriage to Margaret ended. David remained in the family home until he remarried in 1982.
About 55 years ago he played his first rounds of golf and was hooked. It became his favourite pastime, and he spent many hours playing during evenings and weekends whilst he worked and filled much of his retirement playing in competitions. He was a member of the Bentley Golf Club for over 50 years, met his second wife Andy there, they both enjoyed being a part of the Club and taking an active interest in its management, taking the role of Captain and being members of the committee.
With his wife he enjoyed many holidays around the world, particularly enjoying the holidays on cruise ships. They both loved to entertain friends and family and had a very active social life.
After his wife Andy passed away in 2014 he missed her and the life they had together. He filled time working on the home they had together and playing golf. He also spent time with the family when he could, and for Christmas and occasions.
More recently he took up in door Bowls which he has enjoyed, being a member of several clubs, most recently the Essex Bowls Club.
In his own words 'He had a good life'.