William George Stimson (8 Aug 1920 - 3 Jun 2018)

In loving memory of William George Stimson who sadly passed away on 3rd June 2018
Dad ws the eldest of 7 children born in Thornton Heath where he spent his early childhood before moving to the Waddon and Norbury area to live in close proximity with his extended family.
He attended Duppas Hill School and did a paper round in the Stafford Road area of Wallington. On leaving school at the age of 14 he got a job with a shoe repairer in South Croydon.
He enjoyed cycling in his youth and along with his friends and family they thought nothing of cycling down to Camber Sands or Hastings for the day and also frequented the Box Hill area where I believe they experienced some "hairy" moments, and Shere in Surrey.
He enlisted with the army on the 30th January 1941. Whilst completing his training in Yorkshire with the 6th Royal Training Corps he spent his 21st birthday in hospital near Leeds. Apparently, there was a problem with the uniform and he and others developed a rash! He returned to Darlington to complete his training and whilst on leave over Christmas 1941 met Dulcie for the first time at a Ronson Christmas party.
He trained as a gunner with the 54th Training Regiment from 1st January 1942 and passed his training in October 1942 with the role description of Driver Operator. Some of his training took place in Catterick Garrison, Yorkshire and Bovington, Dorset where pictures taken at Lulworth Cove show him having a good time. He saw active service in North Africa where more photos see him and fellow comrades taking in the sights of Cairo and parts of Syria. He was transferred to the Army Reserve on 28th October 1946 and having overcome serious injuries received toward the end of the war went on to lead a full and active life.
On leaving the army he worked as a delivery driver for Ronsons and rekindled his relationship with Dulcie. He then took employment with the British Shoe Corporation as a salesman for Saxon's where he worked in their branch at the top of Crown Hill, Croydon and Regent Street. His claim to fame was fitting the actor Michael Dennison with shoes.
From 1953 until his retirement he worked for True Form in Richmond, Sutton, Peckham, Penge, Croydon and Orpington from where he retired in 1985
Dulcie and Bill married on 26th August 1950 and after living with his parents for a few months they were given their first home in New Addington.
From as early as I can remember we had a car. He carried out all the maintenance and repairs and even replaced the entire engine in our old Vauxhall DX. It seemed we were always visiting relatives or taking trips to the seaside at weekends. We would all jump in the car and wait for dad - he was always last - then we had to wait whilst he stoked up his pipe and shrouded in plumes of smoke we'd set off.
When dad retired in 1985 he was able to devote more time to his favourite hobby of gardening. He tended his mother's garden and that of a disable friend. Mum and dad cared for their respective parents and mum's aunt. Dad was the first port of call when neighbours needed help. It was a happy, pleasant community and they were all supportive of each other. Mum and dad were well thought of and missed when they moved in 2005.
Not so long ago he would regularly visit his sister-in-law and sit wither her all day to keep her company. Alas more recently, age related ailments prevented dad from getting about so much and seeing family that he held dear or pursuing his hobbies and although he never complained or said as much, I know this saddened and frustrated him.
He was unassuming. Sometimes a man of few words and he rarely lost his temper. He was easy to please and just content being at home with his family and happiest pottering in the garden and enjoying a rum and giner at Christmas and a game of crib with his Brother Cliff. He would not interfere in anyone's life but if asked for advice he would gladly give it and then probably say, "it's up to you". We didn't always see eye to eye especially if we were working on something together. I was often too stubborn to admit that his ways would achieve the best results.

So, I would like to sum up in tribute to both my parents -
I have been blessed with wonderful, caring parents.
No matter what decisions I made, their love for me never wavered. Due to my mum's poor health, they came to live with me in 2005. Since my mum's passing in 2009 my dad continued to support me in everything I did. He never judged or critisised me or begrudged me any time with my friends. He would always be waiting up for me when I got home and ask if I'd had a good time. He was a loving, caring and generous father, always offering his help and very appreciative of anything I did for him.
My dad, his comrades and friends went through and saw things that they would not wish on anyone to make a better life for us. He seldom talked about his experiences in the war and he never complained or blamed anyone for what happened. If the conversation turned in that direction in company, he would always have an anecdote that would make us laugh. He overcame serious injuries and went on to lead an honest and happy life, not interfering with anyone but always there if family or friends needed him.
I am very proud of my parents, of what they achieved, of their values and principles and I hope I have done them proud. My dad was a devoted husband and father and as with my mum, I shall miss his wisdom, kindness, love and generosity. I hope he is re-united with his wife, Dulcie and resting in peace.
A parents love is unique. Nothing can replace it and when it's gone it leaves a void and emptiness that one can only hope will heal with time. I still miss it.
Thank you both, for giving me a wonderl life. God Bless You. I will always miss you. Jan xx