Chris (Stephen Christopher) Wilson (11 Dec 1943 - 14 Jun 2024)

In loving memory of Stephen Christopher 'Chris' Wilson, who sadly passed away on 14th June 2024.

Stephen Christopher Wilson, or ‘Chris’ as he became known, was born in 1943 during the Second World War. He was raised by parents Albert and Lilian at their home on Arnold Road in Old Basford with older brother Gerald and later, his two younger brothers Malcolm & Terry. The brothers enjoyed watching the steam trains on the several railway lines nearby. Chris attended Southwark primary school, Ellis Guildford on Bar Lane and then People’s College in Nottingham. He signed up to be an Army Apprentice in 1960 and joined the Royal Signals where he served until 1970 at places like Maastrict in Holland and Mönchengladbach in Germany.

His experience in electronics within a disciplined environment provided a perfect background to join International Computers Ltd (ICL) as a computer engineer. He maintained systems for customers such as Nottinghamshire County Council, Sainsburys and Pretty Poly. As computers advanced and became more disposable, the need for repairs decreased. Dad adopted a flexible approach, re-training to be part of an office based service team, enduring a tough daily commute first to Castle Bromwich in Birmingham and then to Wakefield, made more tolerable by listening to Terry Wogan in the morning.

Chris met Maralyn at a nightclub in the Lace Market and he followed up at Maralyn’s place of work at the Information Bureau, arranging a first date at the Albany Hotel on Maid Marian Way. After several years of dating, they got married at St. Helens Church at Stapleford in 1973, before buying a new house together in Nottingham.

Chris became a father to Matthew and Andrew in the late seventies. Every summer, the family enjoyed extended seaside breaks at Sutton-on-Sea with continued visits to the coast for the rest of their married life.. Chris and Maralyn were fortunate to find lifelong friends with the Rise Park NWR group and enjoyed trips abroad and various outings and parties. To help wind down, Chris shared a beer with his brothers and friends including Bernard, Trevor, Phil the Painter and Keith the Engine Driver. In retirement, Chris joined the Nottingham Centre for the National Trust where once again he made many friends going on outings and holidays. He also joined the Arnold U3A with yet more outings and more friends. He and Maralyn also took up nordic walking in Bestwood Country Park.

Maralyn and Chris were blessed with over fifty years of happy marriage and they celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary last year with Chris also celebrating his 80th birthday.