In Memoriam
Chris Grant
1951 - 2020
Christopher Donald Fraser Grant
Written by Chris's sister Jenny and members of the family.
Chris was born on the 16th of September 1951 in Woking in Surrey. He came to Ringwood with mum, Ellen, dad, Frank and sister Jennifer in October 1951 when dad started a new job.
He had a good childhood being brought up in the country. The "Weston cousins" in Fareham fondly recall the visits and holidays with Uncle Frank, Aunty Nell, Jenny and Chris at the old Windwhistle Cottage in Hightown.
The conversation and laughter of the adults, eating meals together prepared by Aunty Nell (who had been cooking up a storm)! Playing in the woods and garden, walking over the Heath and taking turns riding bikes and Misty the donkey over the moors.
Chris never seemed much phased by his 6 girl cousins …there may have been a bit of squabbling between Chris and Weston number 5, but, all in all very happy family times.
As adults we knew Chris as a quiet, unassuming and gentle person, always ready with a smile and keenly interested in our family history. We are very appreciative of the loyalty and support he gave us.
We are thankful that Christopher has been part of our lives and pray for his welcome into heaven and everlasting peace.
Chris's great friend Bob from his school days recalls he was 14 when they met, as pupils at St. Thomas More school in Bournemouth, the only Catholic school in the area. They were in the same class and were both keen on history and geography.
They left school in 1968 and Chris worked in the photographic department at Woolco in the Hampshire Centre. He enjoyed a life-long interest in photography and took the photos at Bob and Gills's wedding.
Bob has many happy memories of their life-long friendship going back over 50 years.
On leaving Woolco Chris changed direction and opened a fruit and veg shop called 'The Fruit Basket' in what was the old cinema building in Ringwood. He loved the job and chatting with customers but it was hard work long hours and early mornings. After a few years, he decided to return to his love of photography and managed camera shops in Winchester and Southampton but the travelling became too much and he decided on yet another change of direction, this time to become a postman in Ringwood, the town he loved, especially doing the country rounds and making many friends along the way.
Among Chris's many hobbies, he enjoyed his years of being a member of the Ringwood and Fordingbridge Lions Club (a fundraising charity).
He joined them in 1977. He was the Club President in 1990/91 and Zone Chairman in 1992/93.
He devoted much time and effort to fundraising for many worthy causes having much fun and laughter along the way and enjoyed the organising and running of the monthly bookstalls in Ringwood.
Chris endured ill health for many years, on and off from 1990 with Lymphoma. He was not expected to "make it" in 1991 but he had that fighting spirit and came through it only to endure many more recurrences along the way and with other associated problems.
He fought his battle well to the very end.
You deserve to rest in peace, Chris.
Tribute to Chris written by Ann Miles
Chris was one of life's special people. Quiet, caring and thinking of others before himself. Even in his years of illness, he continued his charitable work with the Lions. His particular interest was the Bookstall held in Ringwood each month, which many local people enjoyed.
Many people may remember him as their postman before he retired, always carrying bikkies for the doggies.
Chris loved his time with the U3A's enjoying photography and family history.
Walking was something he loved and knew many parts of the New Forest having lived in that area almost all of his life. We also loved our group walking holidays, both in this country and abroad.
His love of travel took him to the Arctic Circle two years ago in search of the Northern Lights – coming off the ship in a wheelchair! We also enjoyed caravanning holidays with my grandchildren Jamie and Zoe – these were fun times.
I am so grateful that we were able to spend many years with lovely holidays together both here in the UK and abroad.
We also had plans for a cruise on the River Douro and a Snowdrop walk at Kingston Lacey – the place where we first visited together.
Chris was a lovely person and will be sadly missed.
Annie – as he always called me.
Remembered by all his fellow Lions.
Vanda Small
1953 - 2017
Remembered by all her fellow Lions.
