Ike Rushton (8 Aug 1932 - 12 May 2019)

In loving memory of Ike Rushton who sadly passed away on 12th May 2019.

Born on 8th August 1932, Ike (Isaac, on a Sunday) led a full and varied life!

He worked on the farm, as a child, and then was signed up to serve his apprenticeship as a joiner. Despite running away to join the RAF, he was returned to the village to finish his apprenticeship - although he did manage to return to the Air Force for his National Service!

He worked on various local buildings - many a roof has been passed with the phrase "do you know, I put that roof on!" - and on farms and in fields around Draycott and the nearby villages (there's a line of trees of some considerable height that he planted 70 years ago, that always brought out a similar phrase of "do you know who..."!) He always had stories to tell about jobs he'd done and people he knew, and had a good few amusing stories - often involving pubs, pianists, and scrumping!

Growing up in a very rural Draycott in the Clay, Ike made his own adventures in the village and beyond, and then found company in the form of the local policeman's niece, Doreen, when she used to come to stay with her relations! They married on 9 May 1953, and within a few years, had two daughters, Sue, and Joy.

After leaving farming, he joined the Prison Service as a Trades Officer (using his joinery skills), and after the training in Wakefield, was posted to Liverpool where he worked at Walton Jail for four years - and during that time their son, Robert (Bob) arrived.

After the high pressure of a Liverpool prison, Ike's next posting was a complete change, as the family moved to Oakamoor, near Alton Towers, and the female open-prison, Moor Court. During his time at Moor Court, Ike changed trades, moving into the role of Gardens Officer, which he thoroughly loved, as he was able to spend his days in the greenhouses and gardens of the prison. During this time he became involved in local amateur dramatics, and in particular, Cheadle Choral Society, who specialised in Gilbert & Sullivan operettas. Evenings and weekends were often filled with learning parts, and constructing scenery.

When Moor Court closed, his next posting was to Sudbury Prison, and at that time they bought their house in Coton in the Clay (one of the houses that he watched being built, as he cycled from Draycott to Tutbury during his apprenticeship). He completed his service as a Prison Officer at Sudbury, and also at Foston Prison, working again as a Trades Officer.

Once he retired, he had no intention of sitting still, and he and Doreen went on many holidays, usually to remote parts of the country, where they enjoyed sightseeing and picnicking by mountains, lakes and the sea.
He joined a local Bowls Club, and enjoyed many years of competitions. His wood-working literally took a turn, as he went on several courses, and became quite skilled at using a lathe! He loved to make flower vases, bowls, and other decorative items - and even made the surgeon who replaced his hip, a "wooden hip doorstop" as a thank you gift.
He enjoyed a number of years as a volunteer guide with the National Trust at Sudbury Hall, which gave him the opportunity to indulge his passion for chatting to, and entertaining people.

His garden was always his great love, and he'd spend hours reshaping borders and planting areas, as well as ordering many boxes of seeds. As he started to struggle with mobility, he became proficient at giving instructions to anyone who looked able to dig the garden, plant potatoes, or put up a row of runner bean canes!

He fought a variety of medical conditions over later years, and even in times where he was struggling, there was usually a smile and a laugh (often over something he'd said, done, or mis-heard!), and a great spirit.

He was loved by everyone who met him, and leaves a huge hole in many lives - but he did so much, that there's a wealth of happy memories to look back on, and smile about.

Ike, Dad, Grandad, Great Grandad, Brother, Husband - rest in peace. We love you x