Eric Ronald Engel (24 Aug 1930 - 4 Mar 2021)

In loving memory of Eric Ronald Engel who sadly passed away on 4th March 2021.

Eric was born in Islington on 24th August 1930. An only child, whose mother died when he was only 5, Eric grew up close to his cousins, particularly Pamela, Christine and Rosemary. After his family moved south of the river, he went to Rutlish School in Merton Park.

After doing his National Service, much of it in the Middle East, Eric married Molly in May 1951. Molly passed away in December 2000, just short of their golden wedding anniversary, one of Eric’s few regrets. Eric and Molly had three children (Gillian, Carol and Roy). Eric is also survived by his nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, of whom he was immensely proud.

After starting work in local government Eric found his calling when he became a lecturer in all things building related, starting at Ewell Technical College and then moving to Kingston Polytechnic in 1972 (being part of the team when Kingston transitioned to University status in 1992), where he remained until retiring a few years later. At Kingston he met Jennifer, who was to become his confidante in later years.

Eric was a keen traveller, with early holidays with close friends the Kemps and their three daughters, evolving from self-catering in this country to cruises and tours in more exotic parts of the world as the children left their respective nests. Eric was the last member of this fabulous foursome, his passing marking the end of an era in more ways than one.

Eric’s funeral will be on 1st April, the irony of which would not have been lost on him. If you want to make a donation in his memory, please see the link for the Lewy Body Society.