Daddy

The story of our father,
Charles Arthur Hipsey

Our father, Charles Arthur Hipsey was born on the 10. November 1907 in Battlesbridge on the river Crouch, Essex. He was the younger brother of 3 sisters. Here he spent some of the happiest days of his life. We have often heard him quoting his mother, who despite all hardships used to say:".. .count your many blessings".

As a young boy he used to help his father, a straw thatcher and haybinder, in the fields at harvest time. Here, surely his joy of the countryside, his pleasure of gardening and love of flowers grew from here. In the summer months at his home in Maidenhead there was always a cut rose from the garden on the window sill in the kitchen.

The family left Essex and moved to Reading where his father died when he was only 16 years old.

While on his rounds in Maidenhead as an insurance broker he met his future wife Grace whom he married on the 6. June 1935. They celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 1985. with their two daughters Ann and Jeanette and Mummy's sister Gertrude Finnie, now in a residential home in Essex, and many good friends.

During his whole working life he was out in all weathers on his bike, sometimes wading through snow drifts on his weekly visits to the Slough office. He has now made his last journey here.

During the Second World War he served in the Royal Air Force and was posted to India for three years. Loving letters including spelling lessons were eagerly a-waited at "Appledore". He still had vivid memories of his impressions and experiences there.

Even before retirement he became active in voluntary work: He worked for the Women's Royal Voluntary Service, delivering Meals on Wheels for 18 years and for Home Care for 10 years.

His wife Grace, our mother died in January too, 7 years ago. He cared for her for many years after she suffered two strokes, with patience and devotion.

Our father was an example of capability and fulfilment into mature old age. His life was full with interests, activities and enjoyment. He was very concerned about world, state and home affairs, was always on his bike or walking. He loved his daily glass of beer and newspaper, enjoyed whist drives and the good meals, kindly provided by the Salvation Army, the Methodist and St. Mary's Church. He felt happy and at home in Norris House. He liked sport, quiz and nature programs on television, his evening walk and reading a good book at bedtime. His daily routine, we all know, was very important to him. This gave his busy day a certain pattern providing assurance and confidence.

How rich Daddy was over so many decades with loving friends. He was always treated with respect and affection. Nearly every day of the week he was either visiting or being visited which he looked forward to and appreciated so much. It was a great comfort for his family in Plymouth and Germany to know of his wonderful circle of friends. Our sincere gratitude can never be expressed fully enough in words.

Our father and grandfather of Martin, Stefanie and Johannes, often used to say:" I hope life will be good to you...". We would like you all to share his wish with us today.