Frederick Mills (22 Apr 1925 - 23 Nov 2019)

In loving memory of Frederick Mills who sadly passed away on 23rd November 2019
He was known as Fred
Born on 22nd April 1925 in Boolawater (a Townland near Pettigo, in Northern Ireland)
He was one of six children, the fifth child to be born (three boys and three girls)
He grew up on a farm, and helped out until he was in his twenties.
He met Isabel at a dance in Ireland. Fred’s cousin Bertie Hilliard, had a car (which was rare in those days), and he took Fred with him to a dance as he fancied a girl, and he thought Fred might like her friend – which turned out to be Isabel!
After the war Isabel came to England to train as a nurse. Fred came too, as his brother Jimmy was already working here and said he could find him some work.
At first Fred worked as a labourer on new housing estates (in Rickmansworth, and Borehamwood). He lived in dormitories with the other labourers, and sometimes it was so cold, he had to break the ice on the water butt to have a wash!
Fred married Isabel in 1952, and Norma turned up a few years later!
In 1958 Fred found permanent work with London Transport and stayed with them for nearly 30 years! His job, as a signals engineer, involved him working nights, so that he and his team could safely do checks and repairs on the London Underground rail network.
During the 1960’s & 70’s, as he was working at nights for London Transport, during the day he did a window cleaning round, and was a driving instructor!
When Fred retired he and Isabel joined the local dancing group. He spent a lot of time on the garden at no 52. He also had an allotment for years, and often helped other allotment holders!