Mr K. G. Thorpe
MR Kenneth George Thorpe, formerly of Blenheim Way and Normanton on Cliffe, has died at St Michael's Care Home, Waddington. He was 87.
MR Kenneth George Thorpe, formerly of Blenheim Way and Normanton on Cliffe, has died at St Michael's Care Home, Waddington. He was 87.Born in April 1922, he was the only child of a smallholder and a postmistress. He developed an interest in electronics and in those days crystal radios, and spent his time fascinated by them.
The Second World War began and he became a member of the Home Guard until he was called-up in 1942 and drafted into the newly-formed REME at Melton Mowbray, where he spent 12 months, followed by postings at Nuneaton, Haslan and North Berwick. He was then posted to the 6th A/A W/S base until the end of the war.
While visiting Fort Borstal, Rochester, he met Vera in a radar cabin and became a frequent visitor. They were married in November 1949 and moved back to Normanton.
Some years later he and his wife opened their own grocery and newsagents business in Caythorpe, and because of his love and expertise with electronics, he soon added an electronic business, which became very successful. After they sold the businesses , Mr Thorpe continued with electrical and television repairs from home, until his wife died in 1981.
The couple were happily married for 32 years and had two sons, Stewart and Ian, and later four grandchildren Adam, Amy, Emma and Ben.
After his wife's death he met and subsequently married Pam and they moved to Grantham and had 22 years together.
At Christmas 2007 he met a childhood sweetheart, Valerie and their special relationship was soon rekindled and they spent many happy hours reliving their childhood memories together. Sadly this time was cut short as Mr Thorpe was taken ill in early June 2008 and spent time at hospitals in Leicester and Lincoln, before moving into the care home at Waddington.
He had a great love of wild birds and nature, but his passion was music. During his time at Normanton he was a member of the church choir for many years and when the parishes joined, he continued in the choir at Fulbeck, where he was also churchwarden. Following his move to Grantham he became a chorister at St Wulfram's Church.
The funeral service was held at Grantham Crematorium Chapel, conducted by Canon Christopher Andrews.
Family mourners included: Stewart Thorpe, Judith Thorpe, Adam Thorpe, Amy Thorpe, Michael Cockcroft, Emma Thorpe, David Farmer, June Farmer, Nick Farmer, Jeremy Farmer, Bill Marshall, Barbara Marshall, Rosemary Adams, Valerie Tullock, Mr K. Bozon, David Bozon, Doreen Bozon, Ian Thorpe, Jill Wibley, Bazil Woolas and Dorothy Woolas.
Other mourners included: Ken and Judy Clarke, Maeve Streeter, Pam Wetherill, Audrey Hart, Geoff Cottingham, Jenny Cottingham, John Cottingham, Mark Willard, Joan Willard, Mrs McKern, Roy Tinkler, Greta Stratford, June Hickman, Neville Hickman, Matthew Lloyd, Rowena Lloyd, Carston Lloyd, Kirsten Lloyd, David Wright, Jane Wright, Elizabeth Naeem and Peter Manderfield.
Funeral arrangements were by Robert Holland, St Catherine's Road, Grantham.
Donations were received for the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance.
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Wednesday 17 March 2010
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