Horace Albert Parker (11 Nov 1921 - 21 Jul 2017)

In loving memory of Horace Albert(Alf) Parker who passed away peacefully on 21st July 2017 at George Eliot Hospital aged 95 years. Loving Husband of Hilda, much loved Dad of Brian and Belinda. Caring Grandad to Adrian, Darren, Adam and Hayley and Great Grandad to Adam, Ethan, Brayden, Reuban Isla and Sienna. Will be sadly missed by all.

Horace was born in Bulkington, a second sibling in a row of 11 more brothers and sisters. He was brought up by his Grandma and Uncle Jess in Collycroft where he went to school. After moving back to Bulkington aged 15 Horace got a job sanding tennis rackets as well as the company tea boy. He moved to Bretts Stamping and worked nights on a big stamping machine his daytime partner was Hilda the lady that would become his wife in 1944.

It was war time, Horace worked during the day in the factory and of an evening became a fireman, this was a very traumatic time for everyone with not knowing what the next night would bring. As the war was coming to an end Horace got his call up papers and was posted in Germany - Berlin driving trucks with supplies into and out of the Russian zone.

Brian was born December 1945, Horace was allowed to come home (which was at that point the Stoney Stanton Road in Coventry, lodging with Hilda's family). for a few weeks before going back to Berlin.

Eventually the war ended and lives began to get back to normal, Horace, Hilda and Brian got an house in Armson Road, Exhall and Horace began an Engineering career. Many happy family holidays were spent in Dawlish Devon with Hilda's brothers, sisters and there own children. In October 1963 Belinda was born and a move to a 3 bedroomed house was called for 1, Lawrence Road became available and the family of 4 moved in. Hilda decided that the family needed a new member - this was Shan a Caine Terroir cross with a Poodle dog.

Horace retired from Chins Engineering and enjoyed gardening, making and repairing things, completing Sudoku puzzles together with his Friday nights playing darts, dominos and cards while enjoying a pint of bitter. Horace and Hilda went on many holidays with family and friends some with the Rotary Club and finally ones that were organised by Graham Wing.

Horace enjoyed a long and busy retirement keeping active and happy until a fall 4 months prior to his death.