Donald Hugh Wigglesworth (10 Jun 1933 - 15 Aug 2018)

In loving memory of Donald Hugh Wigglesworth who sadly passed away on 15th August 2018.

Having enjoyed a long and wonderful life, we, the family, would like to share some of his life story with you….

Don was born in South London to parents Ted & Ada, but with the coming of the dark days of World War 2, was evacuated at primary school age to the rural safety of Somerset. Despite the dramatic change, Don always spoke fondly of his early days in the West Country; working on the land and watching the brave fighter pilots passing by. However, like many children of that era, Don’s education was severely interrupted by the time he was returned to the bosom of his family in Putney.

With spirits undampened from his difficult start in life, Don set about learning a trade. With the support of his father, he initially commenced work as a joiner; but was quickly drawn into the wider world of building and construction. Despite early reading and writing difficulties, Don realised he had a natural affinity to building, and was very proud to achieve his City & Guilds qualification from The Brixton School of Building.

In his spare time Don was a very keen sportsman, with a particular leaning towards Football and Ice Hockey. In fact, at one point he was registered on the books of Fulham Football Club and tussling with some of the past greats such as Johnny Haynes !

During his early working life with the Costain Building Group, he worked his way up the career ladder and soon attained the position of senior buyer. Anyone who has walked the wonderful Nottingham University Campus will have witnessed some of the grand buildings which Don helped to construct !

Building was Don’s number one passion and he would often talk with increasing enthusiasm about past projects for hours and hours (much to the pleasure of his audience !!).

With the coming of retirement, his quest for new learning never waned. Already engaged in the world of photography and electronic gadgets, he then started to paint, grow tomatoes and even started sewing classes. Some of us privileged friends and family may still possess one of Don’s legendary shopping bags !

For those who were fortunate enough to meet Don; they would usually find him to be engaging, chatty, and fun to be with. And, above all else, he was a very caring, loyal and supportive man, who loved his family….

Don will be greatly missed by his wife, Betty, his children and grandchildren, and all of his family and friends !