Cyril Dennis Harlett (25 Apr 1930 - 9 Oct 2020)

In loving memory of Cyril Dennis Harlett who passed away peacefully on 
9th October 2020 aged 90.

Cyril was born on 25th April 1930, one of 4 children of John and Emily. Cyril was the third eldest with Ed and Stan the older brothers and Joan his younger Sister. He was educated at Sparsholt Church of England School in Wantage, Berkshire. Cyril spent the war years as an evacuee in Sparsholt before returning to Dagenham after the war ended. We all have wonderful memories of visiting Lillian Hicks who looked after dad during his evacuation, he was so very fond of her. Our annual trip to see her in the Autumn always involved collecting conkers and eating the biggest roast dinner, happy memories.

Cyril was drafted into the Royal Air Force at the age of 18 and trained as an engine fitter as part of his National Service from 1948-50. During this time, Leading Aircraftman Harlett served at RAF Hendon, Abingdon and took part in the famous Berlin Airlift when he was posted to RAF Wunstorf, near Hannover, Germany. One story Dad always retold was the time he was on Guard Duty at RAF Hendon and whilst patrolling the airfield during the small hours, had a snooze in a hut and was late reporting back to the Guardroom! Knowing that he would be in serious trouble, he informed the Guard Commander that a sudden fog had descended on the airfield and that it was so thick, he couldn’t find his way back to the Guardroom, nothing more was said due to Dads gift of the gab!

Following Demod, Cyril worked at Ford Motors and then several years at Smithfield Market during which time Cyril attended night school to better himself. Every Friday, Dad would come home with a big muslin bag full of lovely fresh joints, we never starved! In 1970, Cyril joined Pearl Assurance PLC as a Statistician Clerk where he was to remain until he retired at the age of 60. Following his retirement from working in London, Cyril then became a gardener helping people tend to their gardens, this was what gave him so much satisfaction in life.

In 1959 he married Beryl whom he had met previously at a local dance hall. Until Mums passing in 2013 they were inseparable, enjoying many holidays including several trips to the Isle of Wight, Devon, Cornwall, Norfolk and Suffolk. As children, some of our fondest memories are those long 12 hour trips in old fashioned cars to Cornwall, endless summers days, sunburn, rock pools, mum leaving her shoe bag at home, learning to swim, fantastic memories!

Cyril had many hobbies and interests which included running, gardening, a lifelong supporter of West Ham United and walking, especially through Hockey Woods. Cyril had a love of Horse racing and wasn’t afraid to have the odd flutter at the bookies, not always telling the whole story about the odd big win!

Below is an Extract from “Jonathan Livingston Seagull” chosen by Cyril's Granddaughter Leigh, a book they both enjoyed.

"Home I have none. Flock I have none. I am Outcast. And we fly now at the peak of the Great Mountain Wind. Beyond a few hundred feet, I can lift this old body no higher."
"But you can, Jonathan. For you have learned. One school is finished, and the time has come for another to begin."

As it had shined across him all his life, so understanding brightened that moment for Jonathan Seagull. They were right. He could fly higher, and it was time to go home. 

He gave one last long look across the sky, across that magnificent silver land where he had learned so much.

"I'm ready," he said at last.

Cyril was a kind and loving husband to Beryl, father to Simon and Catherine, Grandfather to Leigh and Naomi and Great Grandfather to Mason and will be greatly missed.