The two previous pages of obituaries became full up so from 1/1/2012 this new page has been added. The names are in alphabetical order Please Click on the name to go to the details.

Chris Allen                                                   T V Alexander
Vic Austin                                                    Elizabeth Baber
Eve Ball
Rupen Banerjee                                 Hemendra Prasad Barooah
Probin Bora                                                 George Bradley
Peter Castle                                                                Bill Charlier
Dr Daphne Chesshire                           Nazrul Haque Choudhry
Neil Coombes                                              Nandini Datta
Pakhi Dasgupta                                           R N (Ruby) Deogun
Frank Doyle                                                 Bobbie Ducat
Bill Duke
David Eyton-Jones                                                 Chris Fraser
Laurie Ginger 
Mrs Deepa  Hazarika                                   Mike Graystone
Tim Healey                                                                    Kim Hembry
Richard Highgrove                                        Pamela Hutchison
Colin Jackson                                                           Ranjana Kaul
Nandan Kilpadi
Ralph Kynoch                                    John J Lane         

Ian Dalton Larkins
Ian Leetham                                                 David Little
Jimmy Macnee                                          

 Jiten Mathur                                                John Gordon McIntosh
Ajay Mehra                                        Isobel Miller
Robin Miller                                                  Dacre Mogg
Ronald Montgomery                                    Jimmy Mortimer
Margaret Mortimer                               Sarwar Akhtar Nizam
Dr Tom Norman
Simon Penney
Jimmy Pinto                                              Pam Peters

Sandra Quigley
M A Rahman                                                Mrs Nuron Richmond
Ivan Rufus                                                    Holly Scallon
Joan Scott                                                    Bonny Sen
Dick Simpson 
Richard (Dick) Sparke                           Pat Soward
A K Tiwari (Moti)  
John Maxwell Trinick                                    Pat Tocher
Mavis Trinick                                                             Elizabeth Tully                                  
John Stanley Waters                                             Grace Weller
Michael and Kay Whear                                      Robin Wrangham                                     
Shireen Zaman

Npvember 11 2015

Sadly Anthea Wrangham announces the passing of Robin

Could I inform you of the death of my father Alistair Wright (A.I.Y. Wright) formally of the Assam Tea Company, on 12th April 2015.

I am his son David, my sister now lives in New Zealand, I live in Scotland. His wife, my mother Thelma is in poor health now being 92 years old, living in Tenerife.

My parents were in Assam from 1947 to 1962, times I remember particularly fondly. He was a keen polo player, we still have a few cups from Moran and Sibsagar clubs on display. It was interesting to his photo on the Nazira polo team photos in Bill Charliers memories

My childhood wish had always to become a "Tea Planter" like my father. Sadly it never happened.

In loving memory of

Robin

23 November 1931  -- 28 October 2015

I am devastated to announce my Robin has died in Queensland,  Australia.  I was at his bedside and Jonathan and Wendy arrived from England in time to have a couple of quality days with their father.

Robin joined WMs in 1952 working mainly on the North Bank of Assam.  His last Estate was Paneery.  Robin was the Mangaldai UKCA Chairman for many years.  We married in Dibrugarh Church in 1966. Both our children were born in Calcutta.  We left India in 1976.  Robin worked in London for a few years until we went to Papua New Guinea in late 1980.  In 1984/85 we had an interesting year in Cameroon, W. Africa only to return to PNG until Robin retired in 1998.  Robin’s agricultural knowledge was greatly enhanced in PNG growing such diverse crops as Tea, Coffee, Palm Oil, Coconut, Cardamom, and Vanilla.

We have had such happy years in Queensland among our many friends.  I have decided to remain in Australia for a few more years at least.

Address              7 Rose Gum Court,  Palmwoods,  Queensland 4555,  Australia.

e-mail address   thewranghams@gmail .com

 October 26 2015

JOHN J LANE

Sadly John J Lane , father of Alan Lane, passed away aged 100 on Sunday 25th
October 2015--more information will follow

October12 2015

ELIZABETH BABER

We are told that Elizabeth Baber has died and the funeral will be next Monday October 19--more details will follow

To husband Ken we offer our sincere condolences

September 26 2015

 LINDA  ROBERTS TELLS US WITH SADNESS THAT

                 JIMMY PINTO

August 18 2015
Babs Johnson tells us :

Pamela Hutchison 

richarddicksparkeAugust 8 2015

Peter Byrne tells us:

Richard (Dick) Sparke, 

one time tea planter with the Dooars Tea Company, WW11 RAF Catalina pilot, tiger hunting partner and long time friend of Peter Byrne, passed away on the 22nd July, age 92, in Vancouver, BC, Canada, where he lived since leaving India.

July 24 2015

Jimmie Bain tells the Editor

Dorothy Cowe

Passing on the sad news that Dorothy Cowe died on Wednesday, Sandy who was with McNeil Barry died some time ago, he was amongst other gardens on Bhuteachang  ,when I first met him in 1952, Some of our older Planters may know them from their Upper Assam days.  at Greenwood and Upper Assam. Aye Jimmie.

 17 July 2015

This is added as the item is topical today

John Gordon McIntosh

John Gordon McIntosh."Mr John Gordon McIntosh (Manager, Bukhial ,
1938-50), nicknamed Mac, had his own personal Aeronica Chief single
enginepropellerairplane which he would fly himself,accompanied by his
German Shepherd! On 11 May 1957, whilst he was posted at Dighulturrung
T.E., he flew down to Bukhial to meet Mr Archie Bell and, to the
amazement of all, landed on the football field! A series of joy rides
ensued the next morning but, unfortunately, the plane caught fire and
crashed. Despite all efforts, Mr McIntosh did not survive and was
buried in a cemetery in Golaghat. Chetan, a worker who had rushed into
the flaming aircraft to save ‘McIntosh sahab’ was awarded a gold medal
for his bravery by the Deputy Commissioner of Golaghat soon after the
accident.

"He was buried at Golaghat British Cemetery.It was also said
that Mr Jalal Ahmed and his ancestors from late Abdul Aziz look after
this cemetery very well,spending a little bit of money...

June 21 2015

Sandra Quigley

                        Sandra Quigley

Sandra Angelina Mary Quigley (3 Feb 1946 - 29 May 2015)

It’s a very great shock to inform you that my mother Angelina Mary Quigley (nee Morris), also known as Sandra, passed away suddenly from an undiagnosed brain tumour, whilst on Bryher, the Isles of Scilly on Friday 29^th May. 

Despite the best efforts of paramedics, the Search and Rescue helicopter and hospital staff, Sandra could not be ‘saved’ and her organs were offered for donation, though not used.

Throughout her life, she was a student, a receptionist, administrator, wife, mother, home business entrepreneur, gardener, worked for the BBC World Service, their pensions conference organizer, and massage therapist – a teacher, a writer and a friend to one and all.

Mum had so many talents, and she was generous in sharing them with us all – in having to break the sad news to you all of her passing, many of you have used similar expressions to describe her to me,  graceful, kind, calm – whatever the circumstances, wise with a wicked sense of humour!  Others describe her as a wonderful person, someone you were blessed to have known. She had such compassion in a gentle way. Universally, she was described as a lovely lady – and she always had a smile, described especially as a magical sparkling smile.  In going through some of her things … I found this poem

Smiling is infectious

You can catch it like the flu

When someone started smiling

I started smiling too

I passed around the corner

And someone saw my grin,

when he smiled I realized,

I’d passed it on to him

I thought about the smile

And then realized it’s worth

A simple smile like mine

Could travel round the earth

If you feel a smile begin

Don’t leave it undetected

Let’s start an epidemic

And get the world infected.

So what of her life, she along with the whole Morris family have an interesting story to tell – of being born in Digboi, Assam - India, being kept home until younger Trevor was old enough to join  Heather Alex and Coral at school at the convent boarding school in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains a 3 day train ride away.  Of being in Burma and India after the second world war, of emigrating with the family to Northampton in the 60s, and then living with Great Aunty Lucy in Golders Green – of travelling Europe with her friend Stevie, meeting my Dad, and moving to live in unusual places like Belgrade where I was born, back to Scotland where Martin was born and then Algeria until we escaped in a camper van before we settled in West Finchley, London.

I remember growing up with a mum who would look after elderly neighbours, like Edie taking her to Tesco and doing her garden, who would go on school camp with Mr Godwin, our slightly odd headteacher, another school ski trip to Italy where the family tagged along – aside from my brother being put in a cold shower by my dad aged 14 cos he’d drunk a can of beer, I think that’s an occasion where I saw her fiery temper as she vented her frustration with the rather gorgeous Italian ski instructor whose ‘Sandra Sandra Sandra – open ze back’ trying to get her to snowplough  finally caused her to snap - and if I hadn’t taught her to ski down the mountain – she might still be stuck half way up the Dolomites, frozen to death – and we all know she didn’t like the cold.  I remember her getting up early to help me with my paper-round, so she knew I was safe.  I remember her teaching me and martin how to cook dinner, so if she was out on her gardening business, dinner would be on the table when she and Dad got home. I remember her involvement in Ladies Circle, following Dad’s part in Round Table – and all the crazy – award winning fancy dress costumes she spent hours making for Finchley Carnival – the rubiks cube, the matchbox (me) and the matchstick (Martin) – don’t think he liked that on very much as he couldn’t walk or run in it!  It was mum who was the taxi to Brownies, swimming lessons and when I was older, it was Mum who taught me to drive Ruby her bright red former Dutch LHD VW camper van, after I’d passed my driving test and even allowed me and Sophie to take Ruby to Glastonbury – all our cars had names.  It was Mum who made me self-sufficient and independent

Mum became a great friend to many through her massage work, her yoga classes, through her charity work, her time in the pub and the great parties and barbeques she threw.  Her allotment fed many people in the village and beyond.  Her entertaining involved lots of delicious food that she seemed to conjure up with what seemed minimal effort.  She was like a little pixie who knew when to appear with a friendly word, a jar of chutney, to help with babysitting or bath-time and to provide a pint of gin and tonic!

If you were privileged enough to go on holiday with her then you’ll know her laughter, smile and penchant for a G&T or glass of wine. Be it Portugal, Nerja, Australia, Jordan – the Scilly Isles, the Maldives or going back to Burma with Lillie and Trevor she had a way of just going with the flow.  I found her diary entry of her trip with Pegs and Trev and Lillie to Burma

Burma diary entry – 7^th March 2012

“Feeling quite emotional about returning to Burma after nearly 60 maybe more years as I cant remember how old I was or what year it was – must ask Heather. I’m bring my Dad back home, mum of course too, but Dad always wanted to return to Burma. I feel as if my ancestors are crowding around inside my head in anticipation of returning home.  Trevor says he’s feeling emotional too. As the plane touched down on Burmese soil, I grabbed Trevor’s hand and held it – tears rolling down my face. “

Having Maya over ten years ago seemed to give my Mum a new lease of life.  I remember her – and I kid you not, peeking through the crack in the theatre door when I was rushed for an emergency caesarean. Mum’s presence around her grandchildren was stupendous and her support amazing – even flying to Cyprus after that scary Australia trip and then returning a total of nine times I think during our 2 and half years there often staying for weeks at a time.  And yet again, she embedded herself amongst everyone affections and developed some great friendships which endured to the present day.

After her sudden death, I found the Good Granny guide in her room bookmarked at this paragraph

“The first time you hold your first grandchild is unforgettable.  You will have imagined the longed-for event but the reality the deep satisfaction, the pride, the gratitude and the sheer love you fell transcends anything you imagined.  One grandmother used C.S.Lewis’ words ‘surprised by joy’ to describe the feeling. What is more for most grandparents that the moment of pure joy is only the first of many.  It returns at unexpected moments, brought upon by such trivia as a tiny fist punching the air during a nappy change, a small hand clutching a squashed blackberry, a first somersault – and exam passed’

For mum – some of those moments will include – watching martial arts classes, taking the kids to swimming lessons, walking on the beach with Merlin, baking cakes with the kids, doing granny dancing with Woody during Strictly or BGT.  Listening to Maya practice her piano and bassoon.  Watching them burst with pride in the nativity or being star pupils or piano exam results.  So it seemed fitting that Maya should play some music

[The moonlight shadow – Pam Wedgewood Faber music]

Leaving Swavesey was a massive wrench for all, but in hindsight what a blessing for us – I’ll be honest, we learned to compromise in the kitchen.  Mum was easy to have around, and she began a writing course – if you privileged to hear her Papa Woo Woo stories, you were very lucky and I would so like to be able to get them published in her memory.

And to finally remember mum, her wicked sense of humour – here’s a letter I found about a car parking ticket she incurred – or didn’t! 

To the Aldi Parking management team – following a conversation with your customer services I am writing about a parking notice I received.  I overstayed by 19 mins. The truth is, there is so much to see and such bargains to be had at Aldi’s that I got carried away and overstayed the time, only just making it home in time to collect my grandchildren from school as it happens.  I could have stayed longer, by choice, but I suddenly realized I’d be hard=pressed to collect the kids

Anyway I hope you can help me out here.  I’ll unfortunately just have to curb the time spent in the store. Nuts to that!!

Many thanks

Sandra Quigley

It seems her sense of humour got her let off the fine!! 

We all have our special memories of her – whether it be her black and then fading purple hair, her conjuring up of sweets from behind a kids ear – her Papa Woo stories, her dancing, her sitting with a pint of G&T, her driving Ruby, her fancy dress jousting, her cooking her gardening, or her shoulder to cry on.  Sandra leaves a gaping chasm in all our loves, though we thank the Lord that we had such good recent memories with you – that she didn’t suffer, and now rests in peace with her son, Martin.

June 1 2015

Bill Duke

Sadly we have to advise of the passing of Bill Duke He served with the James Finlay
group of gardens mainly in Upper Assamin the 50's Naharani, Hatigore and  Lattakujan  then with the Makum Assam Co. at Diriok TE. 

To his family we extend our condolences

 May15 2015

John M Trinick

Mr.J M Trinick’s smile radiated warmth which was testimony to
his friendly nature. A personality who believed in working with
exactitude. His reputation as a tea taster was considered to be
amongst the best in the world. His acumen on the manufacture
of tea and its quality was incredible ------------- Deepak Rikhye

********************************************************************

Here we have an appreciation of John's life in Tea by Deepak Rikhye

Mr. John Maxwell Trinick:

By: Deepak Rikhye.

“Out Of Many, One.”

Charles Darwin described the human brain as, “Mankind’s God like intellect.” We can never refute these words. Our research going back thousands of years, in the case of Pythagoras, has proved  that people with remarkable intelligence have been part of mankind’s history. Personalities who in various spheres had excelled and who will forever remain in those pages of history. Let us trace a few exceptional people from the  past and then focus on one person who left us on 12^th May, 2015. A personality whose name will forever remain in tea’s history. His name was Mr. John Maxwell Trinick.

It was Pythagoras the Greek, who in 550 BC, discovered the relationship between the sides of a right triangle. He explained how a right angle is formed when two perpendicular lines intersect. A word , hypotenuse, came about which signified the longest side of a right triangle. Thus evolved the famous Pythagorean Theorem. My reader may question the relevance of Pythagoras in this narrative. The relevance is justified; it is comparable to any personality who has studied  a particular subject. It applies to a person who had invented something. At the same time those personalities may not have devoted themselves entirely to one subject. For example, Pythagoras, apart from studying mathematics, also studied philosophy and incredibly after hearing the sounds of a hammer hitting an anvil, in a blacksmith’s shop, the musical sounds from the metal he explained was the result of a mathematical equation.

Graham Bell’s invention of the telephone was one subject he worked on. But Bell also studied aeronautics and hydrofoils.

Charles Babbage who invented the computer, in 1832, also studied mechanical engineering.

By studying these examples we will similarly understand that although Mr. Trinick was a tea taster of world wide fame, he nevertheless also invented a machine and helped conceptualize other inventions too. This elucidates an example of scientists I have written on; most of them did not necessarily work on only one subject. We will read with amazement that Mr. Trinick’s studies  encompassed many chapters of tea, its manufacture and the subject in its entirety. His intelligence and brilliance was further exemplified because he perpetuated a relevant precept of Albert Einstein: “ Most of the fundamental ideas of science are simple…” By translating his understanding of tea into simple language , Mr. Trinick made it possible for every tea planter to grasp the intrinsic value of tea manufacture and its focus on quality. Probir Das, NK Devaya and Udhav Baruah are a few experts who had over the years assimilated Mr. Trinick’s theories. They are part of a dynamic management the Williamson Magor Group is endowed with.

In fact, Mr.Trinick and the WM Group had always emphasized the importance of innovation, expansion and modernization. They perpetuated an ethos with these factors. The sinar moisture meter and the development of packing tea in such a manner that packed tea is not allowed to lose even a fraction of its quality. We must remember that although Mr.Trinick’s expertise was monumental in terms of contribution to tea, his famous invention the ‘Trinick Sorter’ is remarkable. The machine permits tea to retain its quality with minimal handling and the savings in terms of cost is phenomenal. His invention protected quality and economics. When this machine was launched members of the tea industry were spellbound. The design embraced Albert Einstein’s precept; it was simple to the extent that a visual glimpse  explained the ‘ Trinick Sorter’s’ unbelievable potential.

 “ Quality is never an accident it is always the result of intelligent effort. There must be the will to produce a superior thing.” Our search for a description of Mr. Trinick’s efforts has been fulfilled by these words of John Ruskin.

 Mr. JM Trinick’s tenacity and dedication continued in all those beautiful tea gardens of the WM Group.  Can we quantify the years of his involvement with tea? This is  aptly answered in William Shakespeare’s words; Mr.Trinick’s odyssey in tea was “ over a wide gap of time.”

 **************************************************************************************************

The funeral will take place at 12noon on Thursday May 28, 2015 at the Torquay Crematorium in Devon.   Flowers from family only.

Donations in memory of Mr John Trinick should be made as follows:

In the UK

Donations in memory of Mr John Trinick be made in favour of the “DEVON AIR AMBULANCE TRUST“ and cheques should be sent to the Funeral Directors to the address below:

J&G Perrott    15 Duncombe Street   Kingsbridge    Devon TQ7 1LR
Tel : 01548 852302

In India

Donations in memory of Mr John Trinick be made in favour of the “MORAN BLIND SCHOOL” and cheques should be sent to Mrs. Norma Ahmed at the address below:

Mrs Norma Ahmed   McLeod Russel India Limited   Four Mangoe Lane    9^th Floor

Kolkata 700001

May 12  2015

Mrs Deepa Hazarika

 Sadly we have to report the passing of Mrs Deepa Hazirika in Delhi on May 12 2015, She was the widow of Nasim Hazarika ex Williamson Magor & Co

May 12 2015

John Maxwell Trinick

It is with much sadness that we wish to inform that Mr John Maxwell Trinick
passed away this morning after a brief illness.

Mr Trinick had a very long association with the Assam tea industry and the
Williamson Magor Group and will be deeply missed by all of us.

The funeral arrangements will be intimated in due course.

Condolence messages may be sent to [email protected] and will be
forwarded to his family.

With condolences
Management and Staff of Mcleod Russel India Limited

April 2 2015

Ranjana Kaul

Richard Leitch tells us: 

that Ranjana Kaul passed away two weeks ago.  She was the wife of Ashok Kaul VA of Mcleod Russell and the mother of Pavan Kaul, also Magors and Mcleod Russell, and Radhika Barthakur.  Ashok is well and life goes on.  Please pass on to the Koi Hai newsletter.

March 30 2015

Kim Hembry

Sadly we have to report the passing of Kim Hembry husband of Digby Her funeral was on March 17 and very well attended with around 130 attendees To Digby and family we send our sincere condolences

March 23 2015

Mr Sarwar Akhtar Nizam

March 8 2015

Margaret Moffat tells us :

Jimmy Macnee

January 17 2015

ROBIN MILLER

Jimmie Bain tells us;

I have just heard  Robin MIller died on January the 10th Robin was with the Jokai Janzie company, a very good rugby player he was instrumental in raising a team of planters in the late 50's to take part in the All India Rugby tournament in Calcutta, no mean feat considering the difficulty in gathering players from all over the tea districts  He and Isobel retired to Findhorn and were very active in sailing becoming commodore of the sailing club. Interestingly as was Dr  Duncan Macnought a former Assam tea company CMO. Our deepest sympathy go to Colin, Susan and Catherine.

Return to Top

December 31 2014

Elizabeth Tully

Margaretha Simpson tells us, sadly of the the death of Dick Tully's daughter Elizabeth peacefully at Roxburghe House in Aberdeen on Friday 12 December 2014 - aged 48 years - dearly loved wife of Gordon, most cherished sister of Elaine, much loved friend of Alison, and also a good and thoughtful friend of many.  The funeral took place on Monday 22 December - when cousins and friends in Nepal and Canada remembered her at the same time.

We extend to her family our condolences.

December 1 2014

Simon Penney

Larry Brown tells us that Simon Penney, who joined the Namdang Tea Company in Margherita in the late 1950's has died at his home in London on the 27th November. He was 83 years old and had been in poor health for some time. He is sadly missed by his old 'tea' friends.     

November 25 2014

Michael Whear  and  Kay Whear

Sadly, Alison Allan tells us that Michael Whear has died. He was a visiting engineer with Duncan Brothers and Octavious Steele. Sadly we have to report that Michael's wife Kay died shortly after him    We send our condolences to their family

October 31 2014

Bonny arrived in tea in the spring of 1976 and apart from yours truly, there were Junu Rana and Nandan Kilpadi at the aerodrome. On being introduced to them, they asked her if she had seen a tea bush.The moment they knew that she hadn't, Junu pointed to the Sal trees on the other side of the runway at Tezpur airport and said that ladders were used to pluck leaves from those trees to make tea. On the way to Gogra bungalow, she saw a patch of guataemala and appreciated how well corn (Bhutta) grew in these parts ! Late in the evening, Bonny seemed perturbed by the sound of drums that seemed to be approaching the bungalow and stopping at the bungalow gate. Images of Phantom and the jungle tom tom flashed across her mind despite all my assurances. I brought her to the veranda, much to her consternation but to the delight of the tea garden workers. They gifted her a basket full of rice topped up with eggs, washed her hands, sang and danced for an hour or so before leaving, after gifts were exchanged.

After a decade with the old company and a few more years at a friend's property, we left for the Dooars/Terai. Social life in these parts was largely kept alive by planters from Duncans, ex agency house planters and some vivacious people ( non planters). As usual, Bonny was among the liveliest members like in the other clubs in Assam. Friends and associates still recall her generous hospitality. Bonny's Brinjal spread has traveled far and wide and is yet to be duplicated.

During our stay in the Terai, Bonny started teaching at The Good Shepherd Convent. In the nine years of her teaching at the school, some life long bonds were formed with her colleagues who admired her for her great organisational skills, meticulous planning, her sense of humour and her beautiful golden voice that belted out English, Hindi and Bengali songs with equal felicity. One of her favourite songs was Miriam Makeba's 'Malaika'.

Our stay in the Dooars from the early 90's was beautiful too. Bonny inspired many young ladies at The Central Dooars Club. She involved herself with some cultural events at the club. She had a zest for life and a deep sense of affection for all. The bungalow at Mogulkata T.E had a menagerie of pets which included three dogs, two ganders, two rabbits, a hare, a peacock and a small aviary. The carol singing sessions by the fireplace were memorable.

Thin

Post retirement, our life in Siliguri was quite relaxed in our cozy flat. Our daughters, Madhumita (married to Pranjal Neog) and Malavika (married to Sanjeev Shukla), have settled down well and have their beautiful families. Much of our lives revolved around our adorable grandsons,Dhritiman and Aahaan.

Things started changing with Bonny's health requiring frequent medical attention. It took a turn for the worse when she was diagnosed with end stage renal disease and a weak heart condition . She had to be hospitalized several times in the last year and a half. Bonny fought on courageously with all she had in her. She left for her heavenly abode on the evening of 24th September 2014, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loved ones.

May your loving soul rest in peace Bonny..

Ashok Sen

Siliguri

October 25 2014

Joan Scott

Sadly we have learned from Alison Allan that Joan Scott has died peacefully in hospital in Edinburgh on 24th October 2014 aged 94. Joan was a cousin of Alison's husband Duncan.   Joan was a great character and a contributor to the Koi-Hai web site Her story of travelling in a Troopship back to UK from Calcutta with hundreds of servicemen is amusing We will miss her . Her funeral is at Warriston Crematorium Edinburgh . on Friday 7th. Nov. at 12.30.

Editor

October 21 2014

Pat Tocher        

Patricia Margaret (Ross) Pat, as she was most commonly known, died peacefully after a short battle with cancer at the Costa del SolHospital, Marbella, Spain on 24 August 2014.  Her family were grateful for the time they had with her in her final weeks; she leaves husband, Douglas, children, Catherine and Graham, daughter in law, Jo, son in law, Keith, 8 grandchildren, sister, Alison (Allan, nee Ross), brother, James, many nieces , nephews and friends.  She has left a huge hole in all our lives, but everyone of us is comforted by the fact that she is now without pain and at peace.

OBITUARIES

Patricia Margaret Tocher (Ross) 1937-2014

Mum passed away on 24 August 2014 after a short battle with cancer.  In her final weeks she had visits from her 2 children, Catherine and Graham, her daughter in law, Jo and son in law Keith, all of her 8 grandchildren and big sister, Alison.  Throughout all her time at home and latterly in hospital her constant companion was with her, taking excellent care of her and seeing to her every need – husband Douglas.  Married on 17 September 1960, they shared many journeys culminating in them retiring to Los Boliches, Fuengirola, Costa del Sol, Spain.

Pat, as she was commonly and affectionately known, was born in Indiaon 10 May 1937.  The second daughter to Jimmy and Kitty Ross who already had daughter, Alison and son James followed after Pat.  She attended AlbynSchool.  Her early working life was mainly in Edinburgh working in the Civil Service, returning to Aberdeen to take up a new position in 1960, but this was not to be as this was when she met Tea Planter, Douglas;  they became engaged on 11 June 1960 and were married at Beechgrove Parish Church on 17 September 1960 and left for the land of her birth, India.

In Assam, India she lived the life of a memshib spending time at Golaghat, Jorhat and Doom Dooma.  In 1961 daughter Catherine was born and in 1964 son Graham came along.  Family complete, many happy and carefree years were spent there, moving from one of the Company’s  tea estates to another.  The children returned to the UK to attend boarding schools– Catherine to Albyn and Graham to Lathallan.  In the late 1970’s Pat returned to Aberdeen closely followed by Douglas, when the children became day pupils, Catherine still at Albyn and Graham now back in Aberdeen attended Robert Gordon’s.  Pat & Douglas ran a couple of newsagents/cafes – the Queen’s Road Cafe or Quarry Shop and the Vale Papershop.  Pat also co-owned a successful slimming club, Sympathetic Slimming, a devoted dieter herself, she was well equipped to run such a business.  However, the call of a warmer climate was calling them and in the winter of 1984 they left for the Costa del Sol.  There they settled and ran a bar, The Brigg, after which they retired.  Pat, always one for keeping busy taught Spanish in her spare time.  She played Bridge and also managed a few holiday apartments – her reputation for high standards of cleanliness made her a popular property manager.

However, the onset of ill health was to put a stop to her activities and she spent many years travelling to MalagaHospital to receive blood transfusions and other treatment.  Throughout this she remained positive and never gave up hope of a cure.  Douglas began taking over as Carer for Pat, never once complaining, he was her stalwart and constant companion.

Her visits to the UK were less and less as she became unable to undertake such a journey.  But Catherine and Graham remember the support she gave us when her grandchildren were babies and toddlers.  Staying with us, becoming chief cook and bottlewasher (and doing the huge piles of ironing!) – help which was greatly welcomed and appreciated.  And it was her chance to get to know her grandchildren who were quite literally her pride and joy.

Wife, mum, mum in law, grandma, sister, auntie and friend, Mum you will leave a huge hole in our lives – the memories you leave us will comfort us until we meet again, God Bless You.

August 29 2014

Alison Allan, sadly tells us that her sister Pat passed away

PAT TOCHER

Pat, beloved wife of Douglas (Doug) Tocher died peacefully on Sunday twenty

Fourth August  2014 in Costa De Sol Spain after a short illness

EX  GOLAGHAT
JORHAT
DOOM DOOMA

We extend our sincere condolences to Doug Tocher

Return to Top

September 12 2014

 Probin Bora

Jasbir S Randhawa sadly tells us  

I’m most sorry to inform you that Probin Bora, General Manager of Langharjan Tea Estate (The Jorehaut Tea Limited), passed away this morning (12.09.2014) at Langharjan T.E., after an apparent heart attack. His funeral took place this evening at Langharjan T.E., Naharkatia, Dist. Dibrugarh, Assam. He is survived by his wife, Ivy and two sons.

Probin had spent almost his entire career at Langharjan, as an Asst. Manager, Manager, and GM. Thanks to him, the estate is today amongst the top-ranked in yield and prices, and Langharjan is a very sought-after mark.

Probin was a very warm, friendly, and extremely helpful person, and a thorough gentleman. He was a pillar of the planting community, and his contribution to the society around him will long be remembered. He was an outstanding sportsman, and excelled at football. He was a very active member of the Naharkatia Planters Club. He will be sorely missed.

In grief,

Jasbir
**********************************
September 18 2014

Malcolm Geary sent the folowing to the Editor to show his appreciation of Probin

Dear Editor,

I enclose a few pics in memory of Probin, son of the Deohall head mistry in
1960. I met him in 2013 & saw straight away the Langharjan factory & garden
looked in spanking condition, superbly maintained.  His Dad's tool list
might not survive the copy/paste & scan process but I send it anyway.

He was admired by all.

yours,

Malcolm Geary

Probin Bora taken by Malcolm Geary in 2013

View from the Burra Bungalow

***********************
Below is the Tools List ----The second page is clearer but

the best I could do--Editor

 Malcolm added the following plus the two dance photos--thank you Malcolm

  I'm glad to be associated with Probin's memory on the Koi-Hai website.  The garden labour
insisted he be cremated the day he died in accordance with Hindu custom.  They were
devoted to Probin & put on a dance routine in 2013 suddenly, heres the evidence

Return to Top

***********************************************

May 20 2014

Dr Daphne Chesshire

It is with great sadness that we have to announce the passing of

Dr Daphne Chesshire on  Thursday evening of the 19^th June 2014. 

The funeral is at Preshute Church, Manton, Marlborough

To her daughter Sarah and son Nik we extend  our sincere condolences.
****************************************************
August 13 2014

The funeral address by the Reverend David Maurice

            for  Daphne Chesshire

This is a sad day for all of you who knew and loved Daphne and in the days
and months ahead will miss her.  But it is also an opportunity, as we meet
here, to give thanks for her - for a life well lived - and to remember all that
she meant to us.

Daphne was born in Seaton Carew in County Durham into a very large
family.  Durin the war their house was requisitioned so they moved to
Osmotherley in North Yorkshire  and she went to boarding school in the
Lake District.  She then read medicine at Durham University based in
Newcastle, and it was here that she met and married Arthur who  was a
more mature medical student having been in the RAF during the war.  
After  qualifying they went to Assam as doctors covering a huge area of
tea plantations. 

They loved their time there working hard and making many friends with
whom they kept up with till very recently.

On their return to England Arthur rejoined the RAF and they lived in
Gloucestershire,   Singapore and finally settled in Wiltshire and she worked
as a full time specialist in paediatrics, a job she loved. It was from this
time that I got to know Daphne as a local GP and I remember that she
did school medicals on my own primary school  aged children. 

Sarah and Robert were born before and during the India years, Nicholas
was born much later after they returned from India.  

She was a devoted wife and mother and always passionately interested
in her large extended family and friends.  As a person she had huge
strength of character, she survived a very serious burning accident in
childhood, several brain tumour and skin  cancer operations. She also
suffered the sudden death of her much loved middle child  Robert -
something I know from personal experience to be quite devastating
and always remains with one. 

She was highly intelligent and well read, inquisitive and interested
in absolutely  everybody. She was also liberal and open minded. I hear
she pretended not to  notice her two grandsons sneaking their friends
into her garden to smoke secretly when they were pupils at Marlborough
college.  She had a terrific sense of humour  and loved to laugh. She
was generous, gregarious and always loved a party and she will be
greatly missed by her two children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces
and many friends.   

The last years of her life were not easy with her declining health. She
braved the illness and incapacity with great stoicism and died peacefully
and painlessly looked  after by caring and kind nurses in a home in
the Cotswolds.

But as Christians, we believe that death does not have the last word.
The hymn we sang at the start - The day thou gavest Lord is ended -
is a well known evensong hymn but is also, for good reason, often
sung at funerals.

The imagery it evokes - that as the sun sets at the end of the day
it is also rising in  another part of the world - can also apply to life. 
The 'day' of Daphne's life has cometo a close - and for those that
miss her it can seem that darkness has descended.

But for Daphne - she has moved on to another world where there is
new dawn and the  light of Christ shines forth.  That is what Paul speaks
of in the reading from 2 Corinthians.  He knew what it was to experience
his outer nature to be wasting awaybut he did not lose heart because he
had the expectation of something that lay beyond what could be seen to
something unseen -  'glory beyond all measure'. St John had a vision of
this new world to come in which God would be at the centre
- where every tear would be wiped away and there would be no more
mourning and crying, and pain would be no more.

I think that Daphne believed in that. She was certainly a regular church
goer and when it was difficult to attend church, she valued the monthly
little communion service in her flat in Castle Court with some of the other
residents there.

So with that faith and expectation, today we commend Daphne into
the hands of  God, giving thanks for all she meant to us and that now
her time of suffering is at an end as she enters that unseen world.

That unseen world is not far away - it is a different dimension which
interlocks with our world.  Ancient Celtic spirituality speaks of 'thin' places -
places where the veil  between heaven and earth is thin.  That is true
of any place where people meet  to worship.

So now we are going to sing our next hymn which reflects that feeling. 
It is quiet and meditative - evoking the presence of God in this place. 
I suggest we remain  sitting as we sing this as a prayer which will be
followed by further pray 

 ________________________________________________________________-

July 18 2014

John Stanley Waters

The Editor received the following from Ranga Bedi telling us of the passing of
John S Waters

April 14 2014

 Ian Leetham

A Farewell to Ian Leetham (7th August 1931- 27th May 2013)

 taken from a Eulogy given by Mike Courtney in June 2013

 Arthur Ian Leetham – but better known in later life as Ian - was born with a twin sister in Darjeeling, a delightful hill station in North East India, in August 1931.  His father, a British Army cavalry officer, was serving in India at that time.  A second younger sister was to follow.

  Ian went to Wellington College, a traditional military school in England.  After school, he did his compulsory 2-year National Service in the Army and was commissioned into the 11th Hussars - nicknamed  the Cherry Pickers -  a distinguished cavalry regiment which had been commanded by his father , Lt Colonel Jack Leetham, DSO.

  After army service in the early 1950s, he sought adventure abroad.  He became a tea planter in Assam, and joined The Assam Company, claimed to be the first tea company registered in India.

 There he thrived, taking advantage of the opportunities to indulge his sporting passions with like-minded companions.  Unfortunately, one such passion, polo, led to a severely damaged shoulder and six months in hospital.  This accident meant the end of polo for him.   He replaced that sport with golf.  He also continued playing bridge which he loved.

 In those days, the planters and their families’ lifestyles for socialising and recreation, centred on parties and dances in individual bungalows, plus weekly gatherings at planters’ clubs.  It was such occasions that enabled Ian to first meet Lis, the very beautiful and charming daughter of a senior tea planter.  They went on to marry in Jorhat, Assam on 5th December 1956.   Their three children, Adele, Carol and Adam, who is my godson, were all born in Assam.   Sadly, Lis died prematurely in November 1991.

  It was in that setting that my wife Kathy and our two children John and Shareen first met Ian and Lis and their children in 1964 and we have remained close  friends ever since.   Our respective children used to meet up on holidays in Assam, and they too have enjoyed a continuing friendship.

  Let me touch now on Ian’s role as a tea planter.   He was:  

•         a man blessed with a charming personality, astute and quick of mind partly derived from his exceptional bridge skills;  
•       also gregarious and, significantly, with leadership qualities combined with a talent for sympathetic people-management – of thousands of tea workers, both male and female on various of the company’s estates.

He was appointed a Manager with its many responsibilities much sooner than his older and more experienced colleagues had been.   He thus became the youngest Manager in the company.  He proved to be an exceptionally able one whose efficiency and man-management skills earned him lasting respect.   

 He and Lis returned to England to start a new life in September 1972 and Ian entered the worlds of life assurance and finance in the City.   My wife and I moved to Hong Kong in 1974 but despite the separation of paths for the two families we remained friends as did the children. Much later, we met and got to know Josee whom he later married.

 What are our memories of Ian?   He was 

•        a devoted husband and family man who specially cared for Lis during her illness and time of need;
•        a wonderful and supportive father to 3 lovely children and 9 grand children;
•        a dear friend with a wicked but amusing sense of humour who gave us all great companionship;
•        a mentor to his own children during their formative years, and to the Courtney children when they were embarking on their careers;
•       last but not least, a gentleman.

March9 2014

Shireen Zaman

Sadly Ali tells us that his dear wife Shireen passed away this morning- the funeral will be tomorrow Monday-to Ali and family we offer our sincere condolences.

March 6 2014

AJAY MEHRA

Robin Gregory tells us  with great sadness that Ajay Mehra passed away early on morning of the 4th March 2014; from a stroke, in Delhi, where he had gone to visit his grandson. To his relatives we send our condolences

Geoff Peters tells us;

I write to let you know that my mother Pam Peters died in the Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton Surrey aged 81 on 14 February.  She was apparently fit, but unknown to us all had extensive lung cancer which brought her down very quickly within a week of being admitted to hospital. Her funeral will be at St Mary’s church on 28 Feb at 2.0pm and thereafter with a reception at the Royal Automobile Club Epsom. I know she had many happy days in India where I was made and enjoyed the company of many friends in the Dooars. She was a loving mother to me her only son and is hugely missed.

************************************************************************************** 

MR. RUPEN BANERJEE

Ex Williamson Magor & Co

(Joined Bordubi in 1954 & retired from Itakhooli in 1984)

Passed away this morning (13/02/2014) in Kolkata

All friends, well-wishers are thanked for their messages of bereavement

Inserted by wife Pakhi, son Arup & daughter Rupa

We extend our sincere condolences to Pakhi and family at this sad time

December 25 2013

Nazrul Haque Choudhry

Dadu Quader tells us,My brother-in-law, Nazrul Haque Choudhry, ex-Macneils, passed away last night in New Delhi.
Nazrul started his career with the RSN/IGN Steamer Company in Assam, later moving to Macneills' tea division. His first posting was on Baghjan Tea Estate under manager Vic Austin. He retired on Khoomtaie. He is survived by his wife, Mumtaz, a son and a daughter, and two grandchildren. 

His funeral is being held in Gauhati on the 27th December. 

December 17 2013

Mike Graystone

Sadly we have been advised today by Babs Johnson that she had just learned that Mike Graystone died on November 1 2013. Mike served on the North Bank and at Mariani with McNeill and Barry

We send our sincere condolences to his widow Judy.

 
December 2 2013

Dr Tom Norman

November 11 2013

Laurie Ginger

We have been advised by Gerry Halnan that Laurie Ginger died 2 weeks ago. Laurie was a Dooars planter and then to Malawi. To his family we send our sincere condolences. When we have more information we will share it.

November 14 2013
Here is a Personal Obituary by Derek Perry Of Laurie,  The news yesterday of Laurie Ginger's passing came as a bolt out of the blue.

  Only a few months ago I sat next to Laurie at the Stratford luncheon with Bev, Gerry Halnan, Gerry's daughter Jenny Hinton, husband John, Laurie's son, Neil and the delightful Hillary Taggart.  Between Laurie, Ginger and myself  there was much cross chatter, we being the three of us, Dooars mates from the Nagrakata and Central Dooars districts.  Gerry and Ginger were shikari pals from way back, I just happened to be Gerry's assistant.   Among other matters discussed, Laurie honestly declared that Gerry was one of the finest shots with a rifle he had ever seen.  Earlier in the year I spoke on the telephone from Queensland with Laurie on the occasion of Gerry Halnan's 90th Birthday celebration.  Then we all three made a pact to attend the Stratford luncheon. 

********************************************************************************************** 

October 6 2013

George Bradley

Anne Poyser has advised us that  George Bradley who was  with the ABITA  in Dikom ITA offices, and then was in Gauhati for many years. Has passed away recently in Goa. To his relatives we send our condolences

October 6 2013
Mrs Nuror Richmond

September 17 2013

Ian Dalton Larkins

Sadly we have to report that Ian Dalton Larkins (ex Williamson Magor) and elder brother of Ashley Larkins passed away on 16th Sept, 2013. He was suffering for a long time and was staying with Ashley in Donyi Polo TE , near Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh

We offer our sincere condolences to the family

September 2 2013

Mavis Trinick

Sadly we are advied by Dilsher Sen of McLeod Russell of the sad passing of Mrs Mavis Trinick, wife of John Trinnick on August 29 2013. .

The funeral will be held at Torquay Crematorium, Devon on Wednesday September 11 at 1030hrs.

The family has asked for donations rather than flowers/wreaths and these could be made in favour of either or both charities supported by Mavis which are:

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

 The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association


Return to Top

August 27 2013

Isobel Miller

Sadly Jimmie Bain tells us that Isobel Miller wife of Robin has died. Robin was with the Jokai/Janzie group in Assam and we send him our sincere condolences

August 11 2013

Micky Massar kindly tells us:

The late Hemen Barooah 

A prayer meeting was held at late Hemen's apartment in Kolkuta

It was well attended. His grandson Kim Anselm Farley, from his eldest daughter Radha, who lives in the UK conducted the function.

The Shradth ceremony will be held in Jorhat on the 29th of this month.
. 

August 2 2013

                         Tim Healey

Imran Sultan tells us;  

I wanted to keep you and the Koi Hai community informed that my grandfather Mr. George William Fredrick Healey (Tim Healey) passed away peacefully in Dingwall, Scotland at 1140 hrs on 1^st August 2013. 

He was in Assam from 1948 to 1975 and worked with Williamson Magors mostly at Corramore Tea Estate, among others. He is survived by his wife Joan Healey, son Shane Healey and daughter Lesley Sultan(my mother).--to Joan and family we offer our sincere condolences

Return to Top

 August 1 2013

Mr. Hemendra Prasad Barooah 

Mr. Hemendra Prasad Barooah, is the most renowned industrialist of Assam and a doyen of Indian Tea industry. Armed with an MBA degree from Harvard University (1949), he took over the helm of affairs on his return and founded Barooahs & Associates(B&A). Under his leadership, the B&A Group has flourished and has wide interests in tea plantations, packaging, tea-broking and heritage tourism. The core business of the group is tea plantation and manufacture of tea under the flagship company B & A Limited. This is a listed public limited company incorporated on 01 June, 1915 as Barasali Tea Company Ltd. Presently all nine tea gardens of B&A limited are located in the prime quality tea growing area on the ‘South Bank’ of Assam and produces finest quality CTC tea. The product portfolio diversification came in their own time and Companies like B & A Packaging India Limited ( founded as B & A Sacks Limited and later known as B & A Multiwall Packaging Limited), Assam Tea Brokers Pvt. Limited, Heritage North East Pvt., Limited and The Kaziranga Golf Resort at Jorhat.

Mr. Barooah was elected President of Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry. During his career, Mr. Barooah held several prestigious positions viz, Member of Tea Board from 1963 to 1973, Chairman, Local Board (East) of State Bank of India for 13 years, Director of Indian Airlines Corporation and Member of Central Advisory Council for Industrial Development, New Delhi. Chairman of Tea Research Association & Assam Tea Corporation Ltd. Mr. Barooah was awarded the Padma-Shree in 2013.

July 15 2013

RALPH KYNOCH

We thank David Kilgour and Denny Sharp who kindly passed on the fact that Ralph Kynoch died at the end of June at his home in Braemar.   Ralph was with the James Warren Tea Company in Assam from 1956 to 1967  to Ralph's family we offer our condolences.

Below are three photos to add to the memory--thanks to Peter Bartlett

          Ralph Kynoch, Paddy O’Flynn and Dickie Marchant ... all now sadly deceased. 
                     This photo was taken at Ralph and Dickie’s farewell bash.

            Balijan T.E. circa 1967 photo which includes Ralph Kynoch. 

                                      Soccer teams 1965 ...

                             India  versus Scotland

 Standing : 1) Hardev Singh 2) Ralph Kynoch, 3) Pony Ponappa, 4) Roby Robinson, 5) Dennis Ram, 6) Alec Hay, 7) Daljit (Tony) Singh, 8) John Riddoch, 9) Julian Francis, 10) Peter Bartlett,

 Sitting :     1) Charlie Anderson. 2) Gordon Wedderburn, 3) Herman Muller, 4) Clem Brown, 5) Bruno Bannerjee, 6) Sheik Sheikhawa 7) John Munroe, 8)  C. Macgilchrist
9) Ian Davidson.
    
  Kneeling :  1) Nar Singh, 2) Colin Coots. 

Return to Top

June 20 2013

This appreciation of Dick Simpson is considerable and by clicking any of the following it will take you to the relevant part

Announcement of his passing

Eulogy given by Bob McKinney

Photos of some attendees

Ode to Uncle Dick

Appreciations from India

Copy of Rev Phillipo's service

   June 20 2013

 An Eulogy for Dick Simpson given by Bob McKinney at the service on Friday June 7 2013

DICK'S EULOGY

I have been asked to say a few words by Dolly about Dick and how he was a part of our lives. I hope that my recollections reflect your thoughts.

I first met Dick and Dolly nearly 20 years ago, shortly after I met my wife, Shona.

Shona always referred to them as Uncle Dick and Auntie Dolly and though they weren't blood relatives, that didn't matter as both the Simpsons and the Grimmers had been 'in tea' and they were as close as any family could be.

That was especially true of Dick and Shona's dad, John, who we lost 2 years ago. Both north-east loons, both trained engineers and both set off to find their fortunes in India, both working on tea gardens in the Dooars for Duncan Brothers.

Since I first met Dick and Dolly I was struck by how they were the two halves of a larger whole; complimentary parts, like bacon and eggs or Morecambe and Wise.

The comparison with comedians is perhaps apt as Dick liked nothing better than a good joke and the banter between him and Dolly was sometimes priceless.

At other times it was Shona who aided and abetted Dick with whoopee cushions, fart machines and jokes; usually about bodily functions and usually ending with Dick having a quiet chuckle but more often than not, with a full-on red faced guffaw.

As I came to know Dick I became aware that his hobbies were many and varied, from the traditional; gardening, bowling and caravanning to the more modern; digital photography and computing, and that the computer's main use seemed to be for storing his photographs and sending out rude jokes by e-mail. They always added a little more brightness to the day and I shall miss them.

I also became aware that Dick had a deep love of Scotland which was demonstrated by the coach trips he and Dolly took around the country, his 'peep-peep' music and the occasional wee dram!

But for me, my most abiding happy memories of Dick are of;

1. Visiting Dick and Dolly in the summer months when their garden was in full bloom. Dick quietly pleased with the progress of his flowers, or not, as the case might have been; Dick explaining how his greenhouse watering system would water his tomatoes while they were away on holiday, mini-tours of the garden and getting roped into watering or digging jobs, then going home with a bucket full of plants, and BBQ's and picnics at the back of the house, just because it was a sunny day.
2. Over the festive season; Christmas Dinners at our house, with us, John and Sheila and Dick and Dolly, us taking turns at pulling crackers, wearing the silly hats and telling bad jokes from them, Dick always quick to laugh; then everyone going downstairs, having eaten too much and spending the rest of the evening in front of the TV

Or

Starting the New Year off at Dick and Dolly's, the usual suspects there, along with Pat and Aileen and Mabel and Andy. Kicking off with nibbles and conversation, being treated to one of Dolly's Indian meals, with more crackers, hats and jokes, Dick always on hand to refresh your glass and the evening drawing to a close with a slideshow of the holiday photos on Dick's computer.

It was through moments such as these that I got to know Dick as a person; funny and fun-loving, kind and generous, a gentle man and a gentleman.

So, for me that is the Dick Simpson that I have come to know, who I will remember and who I will miss greatly.

If I had to guess who would be at the Pearly Gates waiting to welcome Dick in, because he'll surely go up the way, it would be John Grimmer with the words "Come on, ye bugger, it's your round!" which will be met with one of Dick's quiet chuckles.

Return to Dick Simpson

Below are some of the attendees at the funeral

Eric Thomson, Rod Pimm,Duncan Allan, John Mackenzie, and Norman Gerrish
 

 Eric Thomson, Rod Pimm,Duncan Allan, John Mackenzie, and Norman Gerrish

  John Mackenzie,Eric Thomson, Alexandra Thomson,and  Ann Gerrish

 Yfke Simpson, Norman Gerrish, Margaretha Simpson

 Elizabeth Tully,, Duncan Allan, Alyson Bruce

Return to Dick Simpson

An Ode to Uncle Dick

                                What can we say about Uncle Dick

He loved a giggle and a trick

His laughter cheered up our days

With dirty jokes and funny ways

Bluebell Polka by Jimmy Shand

‘Peep Peep’ music from his top band

Accordion, pipes, he loved them all

He’d hoogh & choogh along the hall

A happy man who loved his plants

Slugs & snails fair got his rants

His garden was a source of joy

For this former ‘tea planter’ boy

Holidays abroad, so far and wide

Slide shows were a source of pride

His life was full of things to do

Photos, bowls, the computer too

A fond Uncle and dearest friend

Our love for you will never end

You’re off now to a different place

We sure will miss your cheery face

 
Lots and lots of love

Shona, Bob & Tara

xxxxxxxx

Return to Dick Simpson

Now we have four appreciations of Dick from friends in India

 Appreciation One

You can shed tears that he is gone
Or you can smile because he has lived,
You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back,
Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left
Your heart can be empty because you cannot see him
Or you  can be full of the friendship you shared
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live  yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of  yesterday
You can remember him and only that he is gone
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Ory ou can do what he would want, smile, open your
eyes, love, and go on.

May you rest in peace Dick.

Appreciation  TWO

Hi Colin.

Here is my tribute to Uncle Dick. Please feel free to use or
don't use what you wish.

Love to Aunty Dolly. Safe flight and God be with you.

Jen 

Paying a tribute to Uncle Dick is an honour and all the family in India join me in sending our condolences to Aunty Dolly and to Uncle Dick's other family members.

Uncle Dick was a jolly person, kind and caring and very down to earth.

I remember whenIfirst heard about Uncle Dick (I was then a young child )and my
impression was that he would be quite aloof from all of us being from a different
background. He surprised me for sure, because he was simple and friendly and so easy to get along with. One could relax in his company.

He was very jolly -and had a good sense of humor. Sometimes he said something with a serious face and only if you knew him well you would realize he was joking.

Appreciation THREE

He was very kind and caring. I remember when I came to London I was to meet Aunty Dolly at Kings Cross Station. We were meeting each other after many years and we were both anxious to see each other.Their arrival had got delayed and I was not sure whether to wait or to leave. I was so home sick and I wanted to meet them. After a long time I saw them coming towards me and Aunty Dolly and I hugged each other and cried and cried. Uncle Dick watched and after some time told us "if both of you just keep crying you wont have time to talk to each other. Let's go to a cafe and sit down". Thereafter he took charge and went and got tea and refreshments while Aunty Dolly and I chatted and caught up with all the family news. He then joined our conversation.

 When I visited Aunty Dolly and Uncle Dick in Scotland a while later, we used to go out quite early and return at dusk. Uncle Dick took the trouble to drive around and showed me many sites and in fact he showed me almost all of the North East of Scotland and ensured that I had a good time.

 He was very particular when he ate Indian food. It had to be a complete meal with all the side dishes. Just a curry and rice was not Indian food for him. It had to be the rice, dal, fries, curry, chutney, salad, papad, and all complete. There was no halfway with him.

 When we lose a loved one
Our world just falls apart
We think that we can't carry on
With a broken heart
Everything is different now
You're upset and maybe annoyed
Your world itseemsisshattered
There's such an awful void
There's got to be a reason
And we have to understand
God made us and at any time
He'll reach down for our hand
There might not be a warning
Wewon't knowwhereorwhen
The only thing were certain of
Is that we'll meet them once again.

 Thank you Uncle Dick for the person that you were. May your soul rest in peace.

 Our hearts, prayers and love go out to Aunty Dolly at this time.We will uphold you in prayer. God will give you the strength and courage to carry on.  Believe me He will. God bless you.

Appreciation FOUR

Thu, Jun 6, 2013 at 10:20 AM

 Dear Aunty Dolly,

 We was so sad to hear about Uncle Dick's passing away. Our
hearts go out to you at this time and we know what you must be
feeling. -I-know how it hurt when Robin died. God will be with you and will give you the strength and courage to bear this great loss.

 All the family joins me in sending our condolences and love.

 We know that no words can help ease the pain and loss that you
are feeling right now. You are in our every prayer and thought.
May God wrap you in His arms and comfort you during this time.

 Love and prayers.

 Jenny

 Return to Dick Simpson

*************************************************

Richard (Dick) Simpson                             7th June 2013

Died 1st June 2013

My name is the Rev Michael Phillippo, the recently appointed locum minister at High Hilton Parish Church of Scotland. Dick had been a member, Deacon, Elder and active office bearer of the church over many years. I had the privilege of meeting Dick soon after I came to the church and it was good to meet him and Dolly about one month ago – my first visit from the church!

I am grateful to Dolly, Aileen and Gordon, sister and brother, whom I met earlier this week for further details about Dick’s life. The fact that you are here today meant that Dick was important to you during your own life and the family is very grateful for your attendance.

Dick’s sight had deteriorated lately; there is a donation box for Fighting for Sight as you leave the service and also at The Palm Court Hotel where all are invited for refreshments later.

Hymn O love that will not let me go

Tribute

Dick was born on 15th May 1935, to Jean and Dick Simpson of Mansefield, Fyvie (although I believe he actually arrived in Aberdeen!). His father worked then as a lorry driver to support their family - Dick, Aileen and later Gordon. He attended FyvieJuniorSecondary School where he loved sport, especially football encouraged by Dad, playing at outside left. Sadly, his toes were damaged and, since he could not play, he took up refereeing and became the first teenage referee officiating Highland League games. His first introduction to FyvieChurch was the Sunday School and later pumping the organ for services.

At 15, he moved into Aberdeen to an engineering apprenticeship with Barry, Hendry & Cook, King Street (the Morrison’s site) where in the noise and clatter of the engineering workshop Dick’s hearing was affected. His father helped him apply for an engineer’s post in a Tea  Plantation in India where he worked from 1956-73. It was an acute appendicitis in 1962 that landed Dick in Woodland Nursing Home, Calcutta where a young trained nurse Dolly was on duty. Their friendship developed and they were married in Calcutta in April 1963. The Tea Gardens were some distance from the hospital so Dolly moved there.

In October 1968, they lost their only child on the day of his birth and both Dick and Dolly were seriously injured in a car accident when leaving the Hospital 13 days later. Dick recovered fairly quickly but Dolly remained in Hospital for some 6 months before being released. Further tragedy struck a short while later when the train they were returning from holiday on caught fire and they had to jump from the carriage to the embankment whilst the fire engulfed all their possessions.

In 1973, the Indian take-over of the Plantations had begun –Assam and Bengal – so Dick and Dolly decided to move back to their house in Hilton Street which they had bought in 1967 and remained there ever since. They immersed themselves in HighHiltonChurch. Dick was Deacon, then an Elder in 1978, recording the Communion Role, amongst other duties whilst working full time as Staff Accommodation Officer with The Grampian Health Board.

Sport still occupied Dick’s life - football (on TV) bowling - Carlton Place and indoors at Summerhill. Dick supported Dolly in her art and pottery classes and her exhibitions in Banchory and Ballater. Caravanning holidays all over the UK were important to the two of them whilst they also ventured further afield on cruises and visiting relatives overseas. Dick loved nothing more than listening to traditional Scottish music – “Peep Peep music” as Dolly called it – either the Pipes and Drums or good old Jimmy Shand and his Band. His garden was also his passion with his soul mate Dolly working alongside.

Bob McKimmie’s comments

Sadly health problems began to take their toll on Dick in the last couple of years with Dolly using her nursing skills to care for him at home. Weakened but cheery he managed to attend his Golden Wedding celebratory lunch in April which Dolly had secretly organized inviting some 30 family and friends.  His health deteriorated soon after and  he was admitted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on 30 May where he  passed away in the arms of Dolly in the early hours of 1 June.

Hymn The day you gave us Lord is ended

Dick had both joys and trials in his life but he found that his faith, together with that of his wife, held him tight. He no longer suffers the impairments that encompassed him latterly for he is with God his Father in heaven and the safe hands of Jesus who promised that there would be no more illness nor tears with him. But for us Jesus said “Come unto me all you who carry heavy loads and I will give you rest. Come and learn from me for I am the way the truth and the life.”

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever has faith in me shall live even though they die; no one who lives and has faith in me shall ever die.”

‘There is nothing in death or life, in the world as it is or as it shall be, nothing in all creation that can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The Committal

There is a time for everything on the earth

A season for every activity under heaven: -

          A time for birth and another for death

          A time for mourning and time to dance

          A time to speak and a time to be silent

          A time to embrace and another to part

          A time to hold and another to let go

Dick is no longer here, separated from us - yet he lives on in the presence of God, the Father of Jesus Christ who welcomes all who come to him. Here in this act, in sadness and sorrow but in faith and hope, we commit Dick’s body to be cremated and commit him into the hands of the loving, faithful and gracious Father of us all in the sure and certain hope of resurrection from death through Jesus Christ our Lord.

PrayerLord Jesus Christ in our loss we come to you; we bring our concerns to you – they may be too heavy for us to bear alone; please bear them with us.

Lord, give us your peace - that peace of God, which goes beyond mere human understanding - that will help us today and in the future.

The blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost be with you today, tomorrow and for evermore. AMEN

Return to Dick Simpson

June 5 2013

 Dick Simpson

Sadly we have to advise of Dick’s passing on June 1 2013, aged 78.   Dick’s funeral is on Friday 7^th June at Aberdeen crematorium at 1455, family flowers only and any donations to Fighting for Sight.

His brother Gordon tells us:

It is with heavy heart that I pass on the news  that my brother Rick (Dick) passed away peacefully in the early hours of 1 June.  He had battled bravely after suffering a stroke last year but his health never fully recovered with inter alia further minor strokesand a gradual loss of his eyesight.  His cremation takes place on Friday 7th. Dolly is bearing up as well as can be expected in the circumstances.  

Alan Gaul, Dick’s nephew sent this helpful note about his uncle and some details of the service  I stumbled across your website last night in the search for photos of my uncle Dick (and found some), just to let you know
unfortunately we lost Dick on the 1^st of June suddenly after a short illness. We all enjoyed his stories of India where he worked for Duncan Brothers and Co and where he met his wife Dolly (celebrating Golden wedding just a couple of months ago).
Dick’s funeral is on Friday 7^th June at Aberdeen crematorium at 1455, family flowers only and any donations to Fighting for Sight.  Dick is survived by his Wife Dolly, sister Aileen (my mum), brother Gordon, many nieces, nephews and dear friends, uncle Dick  will be very sadly missed by all.

Return to Dick Simpson

Return to Top

   March 22 2013

Victor Austin

Rajan Mehra kindly tells us that: On Facebook there was an entry by Mandira Moitra Sarkar daughter of Dulal Moitra on Tuesday 19th March -that Victor Austin passed away in his Wales Home "yesterday"( most likely Monday 18th March.),  I thought I would pass this sad news to you  and for his friends.

 Thankyou Rajan

The Editor has been told that Victor died on the 17th March and the funeral will be on 28th March 2013

*************************************************

February 7 2013

NANDAN KILPADI

Jasbir  S. Randhawa tells us that Nandan Kilpadi passed away this morning 7^th February, 2012  at Bangalore.

Nandan was 76 years old, and he passed away after a heart attack, apparently triggered by fluid in the lungs that was causing him uneasiness since yesterday I spoke to Pushi briefly, and to her son-in-law, Rajiv Shastri (Seema’s husband).
My heartfelt condolences to Pushi, Seema, Neema, and to all members of the family. May God grant them the strength to cope with this monumental loss. 

I had known Nandan since the time I joined Borhat Tea Estate in 1977 (Tata-Finlay Ltd; Sibsagar District, Assam), as Nandan was with the Singlo group of tea estates in nearby Sonari at the time. Later on, I used to meet Nandan and Pushi often when he was Secretary of the Ootacamund Club, as I was then posted at Munnar.

Contact details:  Mrs. Pushpa Kilpadi ,  Flat 407 - Block 9,  Unitech Heritage Estate,     Yelahanka,   Bangalore 560 064,   Karnataka
Landline: +918023664149  Mobile: +919902059493
Rajiv Shastri’s Mobile: +919902955001
In grief,
Jasbir S. Randhawa    Chandigarh   http://gplus.to/Jasbir

The Editor of Koi Hai sends his sincere condolences to the Kilpadi family

Return to Top

jANUARY 24 2013
We thank Bill Beattie for telling us of the sad passing of his old friend and giving us this eulogy

IVAN ALFRED RUFUS 

"Ivan Alfred Rufus passed away on the 19th Jan aged 90 yrs. His funeral was held today at the Glenmead Village in Cairns and attended by his wife Cynthia and 50 family and  friends who travelled from all over Australia. 

                             Ivan was probably the last of his kind in the sense of a generation of post WW11 veterans who prevailed for a generation and more on the tea plantations of India and elsewhere. Their influence continues even today. He was probably the best tea engineer in India..certainly the most recognised! Known for his enthusiasm for life and a great ability to communicate in all stratas of Indian life..he also had another great gift..he was interested in everything! He could build anything, fix anything and knew the names of all plants!  He spent his last years in India with the Assam Co. based in Nazira then a spell in travelling to hundreds of Tea factories with Brittania Engineering. He then moved with his family to Australia in 1974 and worked in senior management at Australia's first commercial Tea Plantation at Nerada T Co. near Innisfail in Queensland. This was followed by many years driving his own Taxi. He loved the tropics and gardening and never missed the opportunity to play his ukelele and mouth organ.

                      Our sympathies go out to Cynthia, Gillian, Tessa, Carol, Yvonne, Roger, Peter, Charlie, and Ivor and to their many grandchildren and great-grand children. "      

 Return to Top