Frank Inston MBE (30 Aug 1922 - 28 Dec 2020)

Francis James Inston MBE, known to everyone as Frank, was born in 1922 in Bradford. He grew up in Bradford, Gloucester, Bedford and Cambridge. At the start of World War II he was a trainee telephone engineer, and by the end, as a proud member of the RAF, he was working 36 hour shifts maintaining top secret radar equipment. After a posting to help with the reconstruction of Germany's telephone system, he left the military in 1946. He moved to Southend in 1952, and stayed in Southend and environs ever after.

In 1953, he married Irene, with whom he had two children, Andrew and Tracey. After Irene's untimely death in 1970, and some difficult years, Frank married Brenda in 1976. The family now expanded to include Stephen and Rosemary, and over the years grew to include 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Frank always loved small children and this gave him great happiness.

Long before DIY was popular, Frank could make or fix anything needed for the house. Frank was a keen student, and took an early interest in radio and electronics, making and rebuilding electronic and hi-fi equipment throughout his life, as well as taking thousands of photographs. He was passionate about listening to and sharing classical music, and was a prize-winning ballroom dancer. After marrying Brenda, he shared her interest in choral music, which took him all over the world with choirs.

After 42 years service with British Telecom, Frank retired in 1982, but he was not idle. He found himself using his computer skills, as a volunteer, to manage the delivery of Meals on Wheels for the WRVS for several decades, and reckoned he had been responsible for half a million hot dinners! For this commitment, he was awarded the MBE, which he received on his proudest day from the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

Frank loved words. Cryptic crosswords were a particular love, and nobody who knew him could miss his passion for terrible puns. He was a kind, modest, and happy man who reached his 90th birthday in good health. Frank suffered for seven years with vascular dementia and was cared for at home by Brenda, Frank still playing a mean game of Scrabble. As he reached 98 he moved into Oakdale Residential Home for a few final months where he was well cared for. Frank died after a short illness on 28 December 2020. He is survived by Brenda, and all his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, who miss his smile and wit.